BY: FAIZA JIBRIN

The Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (BOSCHMA) has made significant strides in expanding healthcare services across the state, with a focus on vulnerable groups.

As of the agency's 2024 performance report, a total of 94,747 beneficiaries have been enrolled.

This was disclosed on Monday by the agency's executive secretary, Dr. Saleh Abba Kaza during the agency's annual performance meeting held at Pinnacle Hotel, Maiduguri.

According to him, the enrolled beneficiaries comprise 24.12% pregnant women, who are receiving essential medical services to ensure their health and well-being. Additionally, 15.6% of the enrolled beneficiaries are poor individuals, who now have access to healthcare services they may have otherwise been unable to afford.

The agency has also enrolled 5.1% physically challenged individuals, providing them with the medical care they need.

He said that children under five years old have been enrolled, ensuring they receive vital healthcare services during a critical stage of their development.

Dr. Saleh added that the agency has also accredited over 170 primary healthcare facilities across the 27 local government areas of the state.

He acknowledged that insecurity has hindered access to healthcare services in Kala-Balge, Guzamala, and Abadam. Despite this challenge, he expressed optimism that healthcare services will be extended to the remaining three local governments in 2025, thanks to ongoing resettlement efforts by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

He noted that BOSCHMA provides free healthcare to over 90,000 individuals, covering less than 4% of Borno's population through the health insurance system.

'Health is wealth and it is actually the right of the citizens to have access to health care services that is not only accessible but it has to also be affordable and of quality,' he explained.

Despite infrastructure improvements, BOSCHMA faces significant challenges, particularly in human resources.

Dr. Inna Alimi, the agency's director of quality assurance reported that while 28 facilities in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and 22 in Jere are undergoing renovations, the shortage of skilled healthcare workers remains a major concern.

'Despite the massive employment that happened in the previous year, we are still having challenges for our human resource for health, especially the skilled health personnel,' she noted.

She added that BOSCHMA struggles with inadequate funding to enroll more vulnerable individuals and lacks utility vehicles for regular facility assessments.

As part of the review, BOSCHMA recognized three outstanding healthcare facilities for their commitment to service delivery from southern, central, and northern regions.

Dr. Inna attributed their success to dedicated staff, strong workforce presence, and proactive leadership.

'The key to their success is ownership and commitment. Their workers live within the local government and are fully dedicated,' she explained.

Looking ahead, the agency aims to expand healthcare coverage by implementing formal sector programs and increasing private sector involvement.

'We need philanthropists and private sector contributions to expand our coverage,' Dr. Saleh mentioned.

With a focus on improving healthcare delivery and overcoming existing barriers, BOSCHMA remains committed to ensuring that more people in Borno State receive the medical care they need.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for sustained government support, increased stakeholder collaboration, and innovative financing mechanisms to improve healthcare accessibility and quality in Borno State.