By Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has commissioned a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) complex for the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA) to enhance service delivery for over 300,000 enrollees across the state.
The facility, inaugurated on Tuesday, features a biometric capture room, ID card printing unit, a reception call and referral center, an ICT conference hall, a service room, and management offices.
Governor Buni, represented by the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, stated that the center is designed to eliminate the inefficiencies and delays associated with manual processes, which had previously led to public complaints.
“Manual systems caused a lot of delays, which contributed to public outcry. But with digitalisation, there is now a great reduction in complaints because people instantly receive the services they need,” Dr. Gana explained.
The Commissioner further emphasized that sustainability remains a cornerstone of the Buni administration’s project execution strategy. He noted that maintenance and functionality are embedded in all government projects from the very conception stage.
Providing technical insight into the facility’s operations, the Executive Secretary of YSCHMA, Dr. Babagana Tijjani, explained that the ICT hub would significantly enhance data management for vulnerable groups. This includes pregnant women, children under five, and indigent citizens currently covered under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.
Dr. Tijjani highlighted several key benefits of the facility as it will enable real-time verification of enrollees using National Identification Numbers (NIN), a critical measure to prevent duplication and abuse of the scheme.
“Also will streamline claims processing for healthcare providers, ensuring faster and more accurate reimbursements.The technology will strengthen monitoring and evaluation frameworks, allowing for more effective tracking of performance metrics across all 162 political wards in the state”,said The YSCHMA Executive Secretary.
The new ICT complex serves as a digital backbone for YSCHMA’s operations, marking a significant step forward in the state’s commitment to leveraging technology for progress toward universal health coverage.