Students Back Health Insurance Scheme

Students from Southern part of Nigeria have given their backing to the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme, TISHIP, planned by the National Health Insurance Scheme.

The student leaders, drawn from universities, Colleges of Educations, Polytechnics and schools of Nursing, at an NHIS sponsored workshop in Ibadan, stated that the programme scheduled for implementation next year was a commendable one.

The student leaders, brought together at the workshop to brainstorm on the draft blueprint of TISHIP, said the move would address the gaps in the current school healthcare system, but with commitment on the part of NHIS.

They urged the NHIS to prevail on the management of Institutions to channel healthcare fees paid by students appropriately, expressing the concern of most of the participants President of the Student Union Government, SUG, University of Calabar, Bassey Njar, suggested that the service be made available in and out of the school calendar, pointing out that “this is how the success of programme would be determined”.

On his part, the Executive Secretary, NHIS, Dr. Waziri Dogo – Muhammad, stated that the scheme was determined to provide healthcare coverage to all Nigerians by 2015.

Dr. Dogo – Muhammad, who was represented by his General Manager, Finance and Accounts, Mr. Ahu Yesufu also said “we have little doubts that TISHIP would improve healthcare facilities in schools and ensure that the Nigerian student got basic acceptable standard of medical care”.

Tonye Nria-Dappa