From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA) on Tuesday inaugurated a free medical service program for pregnant women, children under the age of five, and vulnerable individuals in Geidam.
Dr. Babagana Tijjani, the YSCHMA Executive Secretary, said the program is a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage in the state.
Ten thousand beneficiaries will be enrolled and issued identification cards that will allow them to access free primary and secondary healthcare services at all YSCHMA-accredited and engaged health facilities in the selected local government areas.
The program is a result of a collaborative agreement between YSCHMA and UNICEF and aims to ensure that all children under the age of five are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases.
A particular focus will be on children aged between 12 and 23 months, who have not received their first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, BCG, polio, meningococcal, and pertussis-containing vaccine (DPTi).