By Stephen Ojo
The Niger State Contributory Health Scheme (NiCare) has launched a free health care scheme for retirees in the state under the Retiree Medical Insurance Package (RMIP).
The free health care is aimed at eliminating financial barriers in their access of medical services in the state.
The Executive Secretary of NiCare Sulayman Abu-Bakr stated this in Minna at the weekend in an interview with Blueprint.
He explained that the scheme has been overwhelmingly embraced at its launched by the retirees who had spent their lifetime contributing to the growth and development of the state.
The Executive Secretary described the insurance scheme as a way of expressing gratitude to the senior citizens for their years of meritorious services and also ensuring that they live their golden years with dignity, peace of mind while having access to quality health care services.
He said, “through NiCare, this administration has made it a priority to eliminate financial barriers to health care, and today we are ensuring that no senior citizen or retiree in Niger State is left behind. With this scheme, retirees will be able to access essential medical services at no cost including treatments, medications and consultations. They will access our network of health care providers “.
He explained that scheme is in alignment with the vision of the state Governor’s vision for an inclusive healthcare delivery system, adding that, “We are not only safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our retirees but also setting a standard for the kind of leadership and social responsibility that all citizens of Niger State can be proud of.”
He commended other stakeholders including
state chairman of the Pensioners Joint Action Committee, Stephen Zita and the Director General of the Niger state Pension Board, Alhaji Nasiru Saidu Namaska, for their support towards ensuring the success of the scheme. He said, ” they have all pledged to encourage our retirees to enroll and joined the scheme. I have on our part assured retirees that they will receive their health cards within 30 days.