BOSCHMA, Kashim Ibrahim University Partner to Enhance Tertiary Student Health Insurance Scheme

The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (BOSCHMA), Dr. Sale Abba Kaza, alongside his management team, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU), Professor Babagana Gutti, and other principal officers of the University.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Abba Kaza said the purpose of their visit was to discuss an important healthcare initiative that directly concerns the wellbeing of students and the entire university community.

He explained that BOSCHMA was established under the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency Law to provide accessible and quality healthcare services to all residents of Borno State.

He further stated that Section 6 of the law provides that the scheme shall be applicable to all residents of the state, while Section 7(2)(b) specifically recognizes students in educational institutions under the Formal Sector Health Programme, thereby providing the legal basis for the establishment of the Tertiary Students Health Insurance Programme (TSHIP) in higher institutions.

Dr. Abba Kaza noted that over the years, BOSCHMA has recorded significant achievements in expanding healthcare access across the 27 Local Government Areas of Borno State through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). According to him, the agency has provided quality healthcare services to thousands of vulnerable persons, including pregnant women, children under five years of age, elderly persons, persons living with disabilities, and internally displaced persons, enabling them to access healthcare services without financial hardship.

He added that the agency has also strengthened referral services through accredited secondary healthcare facilities while improving monitoring, quality assurance, and accountability in healthcare service delivery across the state.

In his response, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babagana Gutti, welcomed the Executive Secretary and his management team to KIU and commended the agency for bringing the initiative closer to the people.

Professor Gutti stated that communication gaps often create challenges, but engagements such as the visit would help bridge such gaps. He disclosed that the University already operates the Tertiary Students Health Insurance Programme (TSHIP) for students and expressed optimism that with the introduction of BOSCHMA, there would be opportunities for collaboration and possible integration.

The Vice-Chancellor further stated that BOSCHMA is in good hands and assured the agency of the University’s support. He also highlighted the possibility of enrolling members of staff into the scheme so they could benefit from the healthcare services provided by the agency.

Professor Gutti emphasized that the University’s mandates of teaching, research, and community development would greatly complement such healthcare initiatives, noting that nearby communities would also benefit from the University’s services and collaborations.

He added that the University is fully open to collaboration in the area of healthcare, stressing that good health remains essential to every aspect of human development and productivity.