Hajiya Riyan Adamu Foundation Sponsors Free Health Insurance for 300 Jos North Residents

In a bid to ease healthcare burdens of Jos North residents, the Hajiya Riyan Adamu Charity Foundation has partnered with the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) to provide free health insurance to more than 300 people in the community. The initiative, fully sponsored by Hon. Dr. Adamu Aliyu, Member representing Jos North-North in the Plateau State House of Assembly, is designed to ease the burden of medical expenses and expand access to affordable healthcare.

Speaking on the intervention, Coordinator of the Foundation, Aliyu Muwaffak Gudus, explained that many residents of Jos North cannot afford even basic drugs, a challenge that prompted the sponsorship. “This initiative was created to lessen the hardship of our people when it comes to accessing healthcare. By covering the premiums for 300 beneficiaries, we are reaching the grassroots communities where medical care is most needed,” he said.

The insurance package purchased by the foundation covers premiums worth ₦12,000 each for one year. Head of Enrollment at PLASCHEMA, Josh Dagean, confirmed that the scheme will enable enrollees to access healthcare at highly subsidized rates. He explained that beneficiaries would only pay 10% of medical bills while the insurance shoulders the rest. Vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, persons living with diabetes, sickle cell disease, and disabilities, were among those enrolled.

While presenting insurance cards to some of the beneficiaries, Hon. Dr. Adamu Aliyu expressed his satisfaction with the initiative. He recalled his experience as a civil servant, noting that it helped him understand the importance of health insurance in reducing people’s suffering. “This is a government-backed program introduced under former Governor Simon Bako Lalong, and I commend the legislation that continues to strengthen it. Our people deserve healthcare relief, and this program is one step towards achieving that,” he said.

Dr. Aliyu further encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the scheme, highlighting that it was designed to significantly reduce hospital bills for citizens. He praised the collaborative effort between the foundation and PLASCHEMA, describing it as an example of leadership rooted in compassion and responsibility.

Godwin Okechukwu, representing the Forum of Desk Officers for Health Insurance, urged the beneficiaries to use the scheme responsibly. He stressed that while most medical needs are covered, exclusions apply to cases such as injuries from domestic violence or risky adventures. “This scheme is here to serve you, but it requires responsible usage for sustainability,” he cautioned.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Joe Bukar, wife of the Plateau State House of Assembly member representing Shendam, applauded the effort of Hajiya Riyan Adamu and Hon. Dr. Aliyu. She called on other lawmakers to replicate such interventions in their constituencies, noting that healthcare support is one of the most direct ways to impact lives positively.

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude in heartfelt words. Saratu Babaji, Women Leader of Angwan Rogo/Rimi, described Hajiya Riyan Adamu as “a kind and devoted woman whose commitment to the people is evident in this gesture.” She praised both the foundation and Dr. Aliyu as exemplary leaders. Another beneficiary, Sani Aliwal Hassan, commended the program as a welcome idea and urged more stakeholders to emulate the initiative in order to support vulnerable communities.

The initiative, according to stakeholders, not only provides relief for struggling families but also reinforces the importance of health insurance as a tool for achieving universal healthcare coverage in Plateau State.