BOSCHMA COMMENCES FACILITY ACCREDITATION FOR FORMAL SECTOR CONTRIBUTORY HEALTHCARE SCHEME. The Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (BOSCHMA) has commenced the accreditation of secondary healthcare facilities across the state in preparation for the full implementation of the Formal Sector Contributory Healthcare Scheme. The exercise follows the successful launch of enrollment for civil servants earlier in the week, signaling the state government’s readiness to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare services for its workforce. According to the agency, the accreditation aims to assess the preparedness, service delivery standards, and operational capacity of designated secondary health facilities to ensure they meet the required benchmarks for providing care to enrollees under the scheme. Accreditation teams, led by seasoned medical specialists, were deployed to hospitals across the state. At Mamman Shuwa Memorial Hospital, the team led by Dr. Usman Daibu, a neurosurgeon, met with the Medical Director, Dr. Zara Mairam Lawan, and Heads of Departments to review the facility’s readiness and operational structures. Similarly, Dr. Halima Deribe of Family Medicine, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), headed the accreditation at Maryam Abatcha Women and Children Hospital, Maiduguri. At Maiduguri Dental and Eye Hospital, the team was led by Dr. Fanna Shuwa of Ophthalmology, UMTH, while Dr. Baba Aji Mohammed oversaw the exercise at General Hospitals Askira-Uba, Gwoza, and Bama. At Umaru Shehu Ultra-Modern Hospital, the accreditation was led by Dr. Dungus Musa, a consultant pathologist, who met with the Medical Director, Dr. Philibus Emmanuel, and received assurance that a dedicated clinic would be established for BOSCHMA clients to enhance access to quality healthcare. In Monguno, Dr. Kaka Sanda, a consultant dental surgeon, led the team to assess the readiness of the General Hospital and the newly established Eye and Dental Hospitals, as well as General Hospital Gajiram in Nganzai. Dr. Nurudeen Umar of Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, led the team to assess General Hospitals Bayo, Kwayakusar, and Shani, while Dr. Mustapha Mohammed led the assessment of Mafa General Hospital. Dr. Mohammed Mahmood, a consultant psychiatrist from the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, evaluated the State Psychiatric Hospital, and Dr. Abubakar Kaumi led the team for General Hospitals Marama and Biu, including the new Dental Hospital. For General Hospitals in Kaga, Magumeri, and Gubio, the accreditation was supervised by Dr. Halima Talba, a specialist in laboratory services, while Dr. Aisha Abba, a consultant from UMTH, led the assessment at Brigadier General Abba Kyari Hospital. At the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Dr. Adam Gambo of Family Medicine, UMTH, led the team in a meeting with the Medical Director, Dr. Baba Shehu Mohammed, and Heads of Departments, who designated a specific area for BOSCHMA enrolees. Accreditation was also extended to selected comprehensive Primary Health Centres (PHCs), including 1000 Housing PHC, 777 Housing PHC, Fatima Ali Sheriff MCH, and Mala Kachalla MCH, under the supervision of Dr. Abiso Abubakar of Family Medicine UMTH. The Executive Secretary of BOSCHMA, Dr. Saleh Abba Kaza, provided oversight throughout the exercise, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to ensuring high-quality service delivery as the formal sector scheme takes off. Dr. Kaza noted that the involvement of independent specialists from within and outside the state would enhance objectivity and credibility, adding that the findings from the accreditation would guide improvements in service delivery across all participating facilities. He also emphasized that the exercise represents a significant step toward strengthening Borno State’s healthcare system and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). "Through this rigorous accreditation, BOSCHMA is ensuring that selected facilities are well-equipped, professionally staffed, and fully prepared to deliver efficient and quality healthcare services to beneficiaries,” he stated. The accreditation exercise marks a major milestone in Borno State’s journey toward improving access to quality healthcare and building a resilient health insurance ecosystem for all citizens.