Niger enrolls 1,000 out-of-school children in health insurance scheme
On Friday, November 22, the Niger State government took a big step in helping out-of-school children by enrolling 1,000 young beneficiaries into the state’s NiCare health insurance scheme. These children, ranging from ages five to 24, were enrolled at Barikin Sale Model Primary School in Chanchaga Local Government Area, as part of the Niger State At-Risk Children Programme (ARC-P).
In her speech at the flag-off ceremony, Aisha Tafida, the ARC-P Team Lead and Coordinator, praised the collaboration between NiCare and ARC-P. She highlighted the importance of this partnership in providing healthcare and opportunities to children who are not in school. She said, “The event is a collective effort in securing a brighter future for Niger State’s At-Risk Children.”
The Executive Secretary of NiCare, Ramatu Ismail, also spoke at the event, explaining that the scheme works on the principle of risk sharing and aims to provide affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all Niger State residents, including those most in need.
Habitat Umar, the Programme Officer of NiCare, explained that the scheme ensures the beneficiaries can access healthcare services without having to pay at the point of care. This means that the children enrolled will be able to get medical treatment without worrying about the costs upfront.
The ARC-P Facilitator for Chanchaga LGA, Maricus Yohanna, emphasized that enrolling these children in the health insurance scheme not only gives them access to healthcare but also helps integrate them into formal education, helping them become active contributors to the state’s future.
The village head of Barikin Sale, Zakka Umar, expressed his support for the initiative, stating that the enrollment will benefit indigent families in his community, who will now be able to access services without worrying about paying.
With this enrollment into the NiCare health insurance scheme, the 1,000 beneficiaries will have access to essential healthcare services, including treatment for hypertension, diabetes, malaria, snake bite management, laboratory investigations, and even cataract surgery.
This effort represents a significant step toward improving both education and healthcare for vulnerable children in Niger State, helping to secure a brighter future for them.
