NYSC SENSITIZES CORPS MEMBERS ON THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

 

The National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, in conjunction with NYSC Osun State have sensitised corps members in Osun State on the nitty gritty of their enrolment in the NHIS programme of the Federal Government. 

The NHIS sensitization program which started on Tuesday with Ife Zone and extended to Ilesa and Ikirun Zone terminated on Friday with the Osogbo Zone at the Osogbo City Stadium, Osogbo. 

Speaking on behalf of the Director , NYSC South West Area Office, Mr Oluwole Amusan lauded the Director General, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim for his passionate efforts in enhancing the welfare of members of the Scheme, an effort, which according to him is beginning to yield great results. He also stated briefly in his remark how lucky the corps members in attendance were to be the first beneficiary of the NHIS Scheme. He enjoined them not to take the efforts of the Scheme's management and the Government for granted. 

Amusan further used the opportunity to enlighten the corps members on reasons why the NHIS enrolment became necessary. 

"Your enrolment in the NHIS scheme will help you to access quality healthcare as at when due. You do not have to go to Government hospitals alone,  you can now access healthcare anywhere with your given NHIS code. I congratulate you all for being the first beneficiaries of this" he said. 

Meanwhile, the NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mrs Winifred Shokpeka in her welcome address  stated that the NYSC Scheme has great plans for all corps members which was why the sensitisation had been zoned for maximum outreach and output. 

 “Our expectations today is that you will be better educated and equipped so you know the opportunities made available for you by the NYSC. We do not pray for ill health, but if it does happen, you can rest assured you have an advantage which the NHIS has provided for you all. 

"We are gathered here to gain knowledge on how to access healthcare through the NHIS Scheme and also the processes or steps involved. The NHIS personnel are here to enlighten you on what the Scheme involves and the various exceptions so you will be better informed", she said.

Mr Ahmed Yahaya, State Coordinator NHIS kick-started the sensitisation by appraising the Federal Government on their goodwill act towards all corps members.

“The FG has been magnanimous enough to create this program for the new corps members. Although this scheme has been in the pipeline for some time; I congratulate you for being the first beneficiary of it. You are being given the same privileges offered to civil servants and private health providers, you really should use this well", he stated.

Correspondingly, Mrs Sekinat Yusuf, à Senior Manager with the NHIS spelt out to the corps members all the details they were eager to hear about this scheme, stating that the primary objective of the scheme is aimed at ensuring that standard health care service is within their reach.

“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; President Muhammadu Buhari has directed NHIS to provide corps members with certain health care services which cover for their medical expenses. She mentioned the stakeholders in the scheme including the HMO, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance. 

“Every mobilized corps member now has premium access to good medical services. As prospective corps members are registering for the scheme, a column has been provided on their dashboard which will enable them to register and draft themselves into the NHIS scheme. 

"The code generated byThule system is what would be presented at their chosen hospital which gives them access to free medical services at no charge. 

“Corps members will be covered at different stages of their NYSC experience beginning from the orientation camp through the service year and also during the three weeks of their terminal leave. There is no payment whatsoever so long the health care services they are demanding includes what is being covered by the NHIS scheme", she said.

She went ahead to state those eligible to the scheme and those who are not according to the NHIS rules and standards. She highlighted those who are eligible to join the scheme and those excluded. She stated painstakingly that entry into the program is based on NHIS recommendation and guidelines and that suspended corps members are not entitled.

Mrs Abah Oluchi from the NYSC Directorate Headquarters reiterated that all health issues with a few exceptions will be taken care of by the scheme from now on.

She further advised that corps members enrolled on the NYSC portal from the point of registration should check for their codes while those who are on relocation should go back to their dashboard to change to their State of redeployment on the NHIS drop down on the portal. 

While buttressing one of the points raised by the earlier speakers on some exclusions in the scheme, Abah said not all cases are covered by the scheme. "If you are involved in shameful or criminal activities and got affected health-wise in the process, you are on your own", she said.

The programme ended with a question and answer segment while the vote of thanks was given by the Assistant Director Community Development Service, Mr Felix Ayibiowu.