Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Scheme has commenced a large-scale enrollment exercise across Southern Borno, targeting 100,000 vulnerable residents for access to free healthcare services.

The initiative follows a stakeholders’ meeting with local government chairmen, where Dr Abba Saleh restated the agency’s mandate of ensuring accessible, affordable and equitable healthcare for all residents of Borno State.

The exercise is being carried out in Askira Uba, Damboa, Chibok, Gwoza, Biu, Bayo, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar and Shani.

Officials said the enrollment is focused on vulnerable groups including pregnant women, children under five years, physically challenged persons, low-income households, persons living with sickle cell condition and elderly residents.

The scheme is part of ongoing efforts to expand healthcare coverage after BOSCHMA earlier announced plans to enroll more than 200,000 beneficiaries statewide, with 135,000 already captured and receiving free medical services.

Dr Abba Saleh said the major requirement for enrollment is the National Identification Number (NIN), which is aimed at strengthening transparency and ensuring proper identification of beneficiaries.

To promote inclusiveness, BOSCHMA deployed NIN registration officers to all exercise centres to register eligible residents who do not yet have the document at no cost.

The Executive Secretary also constituted a security team to safeguard officials, maintain order and intensify community sensitisation on the benefits of the programme.

He urged residents in the affected local government areas to take advantage of the opportunity and enroll for the scheme.

The ES added that  the steady expansion of BOSCHMA reflects the healthcare vision of Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, whose administration has prioritised support for poor and vulnerable citizens across the state.

'Under the governor’s leadership, the agency has continued to record growth in enrollment, funding support and outreach programmes designed to reduce the burden of medical costs on disadvantaged families,' Saleh explained.

He assured the commitment of his team in ensuring that vulnerable groups in Borno access free medical services.