Daily Chronicle
After suffering a lot of setbacks arising from lack of understanding and political will for implementation, Bauchi State Health Contributory scheme has finally taken off.
This followed the approval granted by the State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir for the scheme to kick off with immediate effect as contained in a letter with Ref. No: GO/ESM/S/OIT/135/T.2 from the Office of the Head of Civil Service, Establishments & SERVICOM Matters Bureau dated 28th October, 2022.
According to the letter with the heading: Take-Off of Bauchi State Health
Contributory Scheme signed by the Permanent Secretary, Establishments & SERVICOM Matters Bureau, Mohammed Sani Umar, ESQ., on behalf of the Head of Civil Service, Yahuza Adamu Haruna, the scheme is to commence immediately.
Copy of the letter obtained by our Correspondent reads: “I am directed to convey His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON (Kauran Bauchi) approval for the take-off of the Health Contributory Scheme in the State Formal/Public Sector” .
The letter further contained that, “This will enable Public/Civil Servants and Political Office holders to access health care service delivery under the scheme as a result of their monthly contributions deducted from source as follows”.
According to the approval, Legislators and Political Office Holders/Appointees would contribute 5% of their monthly emolument; while Civil Servants (State and Local Government Councils) would contribute 2%;
Enrolment of beneficiaries will commence with immediate effect while Deductions from the monthly salaries of beneficiaries will commence with effect from November, 2022 after which accessing care by enrolled beneficiaries will commence with effect from January, 2023.
“Accordingly, implementation guidelines to kick start the scheme will be issued by the Bauchi State Health Contributory Management Agency (BASHCMA) in due course”, the letter further contained.
It concluded that, “Thus, further enquiries arising on the subject should be referred to the Executive Secretary, BASHCMA. In view of the immense benefits of the scheme to the would-be beneficiaries, all Accounting Officers are implored to accord this circular wide publicity for strict compliance, please”.