CUSTECH STAFF MEMBERS SENSITIZED ON THE IMPORTANCE AND ACTIVITIES OF KOGI STATE HEALTH INSURANCE AGENCY

The popular saying that “health is wealth” was key to what led to the gathering of the Management Team and the entire staff members of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara on Thursday 3rd August, 2023 at the University Auditorium to get sensitized on the insurance plans of Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA).

According to Balogun Omeiza David, Head, Public Relations
CUSTECH, Osara, the Management Team of CUSTECH, Osara headed by the Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Salawu Sadiku, who was unavoidably absent, were all in attendance.

They ranged from the Registrar, Ms. Olufunke Hudson, the Bursar, Mr. John Alaji and the University Librarian, Mr. Jeremiah Salifu. The Director, Physical Planning and Development, Mr. Ismail Adoke and the Director, Works and Maintenance, Arc. Usman Ahmed were also present. On the side of the visiting team of the KGSHIA were the Programmes Officer, Pharm. Kenneth Ameh and the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Gwatana.

In his opening address, the University Librarian Mr. Jeremiah Salifu who spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the KGSHIA Team for counting CUSTECH, Osara worthy to be sensitized on the health insurance scheme of the agency. He also urged the staff members to pay rapt attention to all that the sensitization delivery they will be hearing from the KGSHIA Team.

The sensitization exercise which was spearheaded by Pharm. Kenneth Ameh who took his time to reel out the different insurance plan of the KGSHIA. While delivering his sensitization tips he said, “Life is a battle and that is why there is the dire need for every living soul to take their health seriously.” He went on to expatiate to the listening CUSTECH, Osara staff members on Health Seeking Behaviour and Financial Risk Protection which is 3.5% of the basic salary. He also explained terms like Vulnerable Programmes of the KGSHIA, a health insurance plan that children, elders that are above sixty years can benefit from, the disabled, pregnant women and also the poorest of the poor. He also talked about Equity Fund, a health insurance plan that the State Government goes into counterpart funding to augment for health related issues like Caesarean Section Operation, Thyroid Gland Operation amongst others.

Speaking further, Pharm. Kenneth Ameh said, “The cost of living which includes good health services continues to increase on a daily basis and this is major reason that gave birth to the KGSHIA of which the bill was signed in 2019 by His Excellency, Alh. (Dr.) Yahaya Bello (CON).” He made his audience to understand that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kogi State Chapter has given the positive nod for KGSHIA to go ahead with the sensitization of the agency’s health insurance plans for civil servants for them to be abreast of what it entails. The forms for registering for the insurance plans and the date when deduction will take effect will be communicated later to the CUSTECH, Osara Management Team and staff members.

The floor was thrown open for questions and ten of CUSTECH, Osara staff members asked important questions to understand better what the health insurance sensitization had in stock for them. Pharm. Kenneth Ameh who gave answers to the questions one after the other in line with the health insurance plans of KGSHIA.

The Registrar of CUSTECH, Osara Ms. Olufunke Hudson delivered the vote of thanks. He thanked the Vice-Chancellor of CUSTECH, Osara Engr. Prof. Salawu Sadiku for his outstanding leadership style which is making the institution to record rapid progress. She also appreciated the Management Team and staff members for turning out en masse to attend the sensitization programme.