SOCHEMA gets N132m counterpart fund from state gov’t, wins national award
SOCHEMA gets N132m counterpart fund from state gov’t, wins national award 
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Contributory Health Insurance Agency (SOCHEMA), has received a N132 million counterpart fund from the state government, the first of its kind since it commenced operation.
The agency has also been honoured with an Award of Excellence in Abuja for its outstanding performance.and the unwavering commitment of the Sokoto State Government towards ensuring the success of all its activities.
The Director-General of the Agency, Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar, disclosed this in Sokoto during a media briefing, saying the award was presented by the Institute of Health Insurance and Managed Care of Nigeria.
“They have been tracking what has been happening in the state contributory health system for years.
“And during this administration, they have seen the kind of transformation,” Alhaji Yusuf said.
He attributed the award to the agency’s efforts in ensuring transparency, carrying stakeholders along, and educating principals and the state leadership on the importance of health insurance.
“We were commended for convincing the government. We were commended for ensuring that everybody is carried along in the process.
” And the Governor was courteous enough to release the funds immediately,” the D-G added.
On the students’ enrollment, Alhaji Yusuf explained, “under the law, the head of the school clinic should chair the school health committee.
“Members include the SUG President, a representative of the Bursary, a representative of the institution’s executive, and a representative from Sakima.
“These are the representatives that make up the committee for them to decide on what to do for the school clinic,” he said.
The D-G identified misconception as the major challenge facing contributory health schemes in Northern states, especially Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara.
“People have this conception about what health contributory scheme is all about.
“We keep telling organizations and individuals that instead of you giving a person money to go to hospital, hold it for the year so that whenever he is sick, he can visit a facility of his choice,” he explained.
He noted that beneficiaries are guided to choose facilities close to their homes based on proximity and available services.
On complaints about drugs not being available, he said the NHIA has an approved drug list and all providers are being trained to prescribe only drugs within the program.
“If a doctor prescribes a drug outside the approved list, the beneficiary will be told it’s not covered.
“That creates the impression that they are being given substandard drugs. That’s why we ensure everyone in the ecosystem is well trained,” Alhaji Yusuf.Abubakar said.
He shared testimonies of beneficiaries, including a woman who delivered through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund programme.
“The husband and wife came to the agency to thank us. I asked for their permission to make a documentary so people can see what we are doing,” he said.
He called on more people to enroll, saying many have good testimonies but are not speaking out.
