By
Fidelis Jockthan
The Adamawa State Contributory Health Management Agency (ASCHMA) has enrolled about 250,000 residents into its healthcare scheme, as part of an ongoing drive to expand access to affordable medical services across the state.
In a bid to bolster participation, the agency has launched a sensitization campaign scheduled to run from March 30 to April 15, 2026.
The exercise aims to interface with local government employees and create widespread awareness about the benefits of joining the scheme.
The Executive Secretary of ASCHMA, Dr. Emos Ujulu, disclosed this during an interview with Radio Nigeria Correspondent in Yola.
He stated that the Agency’s management has engaged the leadership of key unions, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and the Medical and Health Workers Union, all of which have unanimously agreed to enroll their members.
According to Dr. Ujulu, ASCHMA has deployed enrollment officers to 226 primary healthcare facilities, with plans to extend this service to ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) across the state.
He explained that the scheme’s benefit package covers 95 percent of illnesses, including surgical procedures, and encompasses preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services. While MRI scans—a high-tech investigative procedure—are excluded from the core package, the agency covers 50 percent of the cost for that service.
Dr. Ujulu noted that the agency has decentralized its operations and deployed enrollment officers who can be reached via toll-free lines to improve accessibility for residents.
In a move to further expand coverage, he revealed that the leadership has begun forging partnerships with market women, Keke NAPEP (tricycle) riders, and farmers. Under these arrangements, stipulated contributions will be deducted directly through their respective labour unions.
Dr. Ujulu emphasized that the scheme, which was founded in 2020 to ensure every resident of Adamawa State has access to affordable health services, has now been fully expanded with all operational departments in place.
“The Adamawa Contributory Health Management Agency is established to provide financial risk protection and achieve universal health coverage for residents,” he said. “The agency facilitates access to affordable health care through formal and informal sector plans, including primary healthcare center boosting.”
He further noted that the scheme currently records about 400,000 hospital visits, underscoring its growing utilization.
Dr. Ujulu stressed that the initiative does not discriminate, as both the poor and vulnerable are key beneficiaries.
The Executive Secretary expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for expanding the agency’s operational office, including the construction of a conference hall, and for accommodating 43 newly deployed employees to the agency.
