The Taraba State Contributory Health Insurance Agency (TSCHIA) has announced the successful enrollment of over 112,000 residents under its state wide health insurance scheme, marking a major step toward achieving universal health coverage.
Executive Secretary of the agency, Pharmacist Jacobs Akenzukpi, made the disclosure during a press briefing held over the weekend in Jalingo.
Akenzukpi described the milestone as a clear indication of growing public confidence in the scheme and reiterated the agency’s resolve to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all, regardless of social or economic status.
“Whether you are a civil servant, trader, student, indigene, or non-indigene, the vision of TSCHIA is to bring everyone under a safety net of affordable healthcare,” he stated.
He credited the success of the scheme to the leadership of Governor Agbu Kefas, whom he praised for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the state. According to him, the governor has directed the agency to prioritize both formal and informal sectors, especially rural and hard-to-reach communities.
Akenzukpi noted that special attention has been given to vulnerable groups such as children under five, elderly persons aged 60 and above, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Since its establishment in 2019, the health insurance scheme has grown from a single enrollee to 112,739 beneficiaries as of the second quarter of 2025, representing a growth rate of over 184 percent.
“Health services under the scheme are currently operational in all 168 political wards of the state, with enrollees receiving care through their respective Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs),” he added.
TSCHIA, which functions as Taraba’s equivalent of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), operates a contributory funding model supported by both federal and state governments, alongside donor agencies.
He highlighted strategic collaborations with development partners such as USAID (PRO-Health), UNICEF, and CEmONC/VVF, which he said have significantly enhanced enrollment drives and improved service delivery.
Akenzukpi also revealed that arrangements have been finalized to commence enrollment for public sector workers, following discussions with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other organized labor bodies.
“We are only awaiting the governor’s final approval. Once that is secured, we’ll commence implementation across the public service,” he said.
He further disclosed that the scheme is being extended to the education sector, with 565 students already enrolled at the Taraba College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo. Other tertiary institutions, he said, are expected to follow.
The Executive Secretary commended Governor Kefas for his consistent payment of counterpart funding and unwavering support for healthcare reforms.
“His Excellency understands that health is wealth. His leadership has been instrumental in driving the agency’s success and ensuring access to quality healthcare, especially for the most vulnerable,” Akenzukpi concluded.