The Hajiya Riyan Adamu Charity Foundation has partnered with the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA). Their joint initiative provides free health insurance for over 300 residents of Jos North.
The program is sponsored by Hon. Dr. Adamu Aliyu, the Member representing Jos North-North. It is specifically aimed at improving access to affordable healthcare for the community.
Foundation Coordinator Aliyu Muwaffak Gudus explained the support was initiated to ease the burden of healthcare costs. He stated that many in Jos North struggle to afford basic drugs, which prompted this intervention.
Gudus added that the initiative targets grassroots communities where people often lack proper healthcare access. He said it reflects a genuine commitment to ensuring vulnerable residents can get medical care.
Josh Dagean, Head of Enrollment at PLASCHEMA, disclosed the foundation purchased premiums worth ₦12,000 per beneficiary. This covers a full year of enrollment, giving access to highly subsidized healthcare services.
Dagean noted the beneficiaries include people with diabetes, sickle cell disease, disabilities, and pregnant women. Enrollees will pay only 10% of medical costs, with the insurance covering the remaining 90%.
Hon. Dr. Adamu Aliyu presented insurance cards to beneficiaries at the unveiling. He said his background as a civil servant helped him appreciate how health insurance can reduce suffering.
He praised the health insurance program, introduced under former Governor Simon Bako Lalong. He also commended efforts to strengthen the initiative through legislation.
Godwin Okechukwu from the Forum of Desk Officers for Health Insurance advised beneficiaries to use the scheme responsibly. He clarified that it excludes cases like domestic violence injuries or accidents from risky adventures.
Mrs. Joe Bukar, wife of a Plateau State Assembly member, applauded the foundation and Hon. Dr. Adamu Aliyu. She called on other lawmakers to emulate this example in addressing healthcare needs.
Beneficiary Saratu Babaji, Women Leader of Angwan Rogo/Rimi, praised Hajiya Riyan Adamu as kind and devoted. She described both her and Dr. Aliyu as exemplary leaders.
Another beneficiary, Sani Aliwal Hassan, commended the program as a welcome idea. He urged other stakeholders to emulate the gesture to support the needy in society.