In a renewed effort to enhance healthcare access for teachers across Plateau State, the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) held a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Plateau State Chapter.
The meeting, which took place amid growing concerns about the slow pace of teacher enrolment into the State Social Health Insurance Scheme, was aimed at forging stronger partnerships and developing more effective strategies to expedite the process.
The Plateau State Social Health Insurance Scheme, a critical component of the state’s broader healthcare reform, had already begun enrolling primary school teachers earlier this year. Those who successfully registered have been accessing healthcare since August 2024. However, the enrolment process has been slower than anticipated, prompting the leadership of the NUT to approach PLASCHEMA with requests for more inclusive mobilization efforts.
The NUT, representing the interests of thousands of teachers across the state, expressed concerns that many of their members were still unregistered and, consequently, unable to benefit from the healthcare services they desperately need. The union’s leadership emphasized the importance of involving the NUT more actively in the enrolment process to ensure that all teachers can participate in the scheme without further delay.
During the meeting, Comrade Kefas U. Nanpan, Chairman of the NUT Plateau State Chapter, voiced the union’s eagerness to collaborate with PLASCHEMA. He highlighted the union’s deep concern for the well-being of its members, stating that the health of teachers directly impacts the quality of education in the state.
“We are committed to working hand-in-hand with PLASCHEMA to address any challenges hindering our members from enrolling in the health insurance scheme,” Nanpan stated. He also commended the Executive Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for his administration’s unwavering focus on healthcare reform, noting that the improvements made under his leadership are already making a significant difference in the lives of many Plateau State residents.
Nanpan further emphasized the union’s support for the State Government’s efforts to improve healthcare services, asserting that a healthy teaching workforce is crucial for the state’s educational system. He called on all teachers to be proactive in the enrolment process, urging them to take full advantage of the health insurance benefits being offered.
Leading the Agency’s delegation, Dr. Dawal Kwande, the Director of Operations and ICT at PLASCHEMA, represented the Director-General, Dr. Agabus Manasseh. In his remarks, Dr. Kwande assured the NUT leadership of PLASCHEMA’s commitment to ensuring that every teacher in the state is enrolled in the health insurance scheme. He stressed that the Agency is dedicated to making the enrolment process as smooth and efficient as possible, in line with the “Time is Now” initiative of the current administration.
“We understand the critical role that teachers play in society, and we are fully committed to supporting their health needs,” Dr. Kwande stated. He outlined the Agency’s plans to strengthen the institutional frameworks that will sustain PLASCHEMA’s operations and ensure its leadership position in Nigeria’s health insurance landscape.
Dr. Kwande also noted that the Agency is working on several fronts to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness, including the use of advanced ICT solutions to streamline enrolment and claims processes. He reiterated that PLASCHEMA is focused on building sustainable systems that will not only serve the immediate needs of teachers but also ensure long-term benefits for all enrollees.
The outcome of the meeting was a renewed sense of urgency and a clear roadmap for increasing the enrolment of teachers in the Plateau State Social Health Insurance Scheme. Both PLASCHEMA and the NUT agreed on the need for intensified awareness campaigns and more targeted outreach efforts to ensure that all teachers and their families are brought into the scheme as soon as possible.
As part of the agreed action plan, PLASCHEMA will be working closely with the NUT to identify and address specific barriers to enrolment, such as misinformation, logistical challenges, and administrative bottlenecks. The NUT has committed to mobilizing its members at the grassroots level, using its extensive network of local branches to ensure that no teacher is left behind.
The collaboration between PLASCHEMA and the NUT is expected to yield significant results in the coming months, with more teachers gaining access to quality healthcare services. This, in turn, is anticipated to contribute to the overall improvement of educational outcomes in Plateau State, as healthier teachers are better equipped to deliver quality education to their students.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Plateau State Government to improve healthcare access for all residents, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups, including teachers. By ensuring that teachers are adequately covered under the State Social Health Insurance Scheme, the government is not only safeguarding their health but also investing in the future of the state’s education system.
The success of this collaboration could serve as a model for other states in Nigeria, demonstrating the importance of stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships in achieving healthcare reform goals. As PLASCHEMA and the NUT work together to overcome the challenges ahead, their joint efforts are poised to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of teachers across Plateau State.
