KGSHIA Intensifies Lokoja Market Sensitization to Boost Vital Cont »

In a renewed effort to accelerate the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kogi State, the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA) on Wednesday embarked on an extensive sensitization and awareness campaign targeting traders at the popular Lokoja International Market.

The outreach, which featured a store-to-store engagement with market men and women, was designed to educate residents in the informal sector on the benefits of enrolling in the Agency’s Vital Contributory Plan, while also encouraging wider participation in the state’s health insurance programme.

Speaking with journalists during the exercise, the Executive Secretary of KGSHIA, Dr. Aledare, emphasized that the rising cost of healthcare services across the world has made health insurance an indispensable tool for protecting individuals and families from catastrophic health expenditures.

According to him, health insurance remains one of the most effective ways of ensuring that citizens have uninterrupted access to quality healthcare without the financial burden that often accompanies medical emergencies.

Dr. Aledare commended the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for his foresight in establishing the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, describing the initiative as a landmark intervention in strengthening healthcare financing and expanding access to medical services for residents.

He also expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his unwavering political will, sustained financial support, and commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the state. He noted that the Governor’s continued investment has played a significant role in ensuring the growth and sustainability of the Agency’s programmes.

Also speaking during the sensitization exercise, the Permanent Member (II) of the Agency, Hon. Jacob Abraham, reaffirmed KGSHIA’s commitment to extending health insurance coverage to every resident of Kogi State. He explained that the Agency is working tirelessly to actualize Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s vision of making quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare accessible to all Kogites, irrespective of their social or economic status.

A major highlight of the outreach was the comprehensive store-to-store sensitization campaign across Lokoja International Market, where officials of the Agency engaged traders directly, answering questions and providing detailed information about the benefits of health insurance.

As part of the awareness drive, educational flyers were distributed to traders to further enlighten them on the Agency’s programmes and enrollment procedures.

The sensitization exercise also featured a one-day free medical outreach for market men and women. Beneficiaries received free medical consultations from qualified doctors, comprehensive eye screening services, prescription and provision of medicated glasses where necessary, as well as free medications prescribed during the consultations. The medical outreach was widely appreciated by traders, many of whom described the initiative as timely and impactful.

The Vital Contributory Plan, one of KGSHIA’s flagship programmes for the informal sector, is specifically designed to provide affordable health insurance coverage for private individuals and organized groups, including market men and women, artisans, transport union workers, traders, and other self employed persons.

Under the scheme, subscribers pay an annual premium of ₦15,000 and gain access to comprehensive, quality, and equitable healthcare services through any of the Agency’s accredited healthcare providers and hospitals across Kogi State. The plan offers financial protection against unexpected medical expenses while ensuring enrollees receive timely healthcare whenever the need arises.

The market sensitization exercise forms part of KGSHIA’s broader strategy to deepen public awareness, increase enrollment under the Vital Contributory Plan, and move Kogi State closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage by ensuring that every resident can access affordable, quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship.

Through sustained community engagement, strategic awareness campaigns, and people driven healthcare interventions, the Agency continues to demonstrate its commitment to building a healthier and more productive Kogi State, where quality healthcare is accessible to all.