Health workers wait to take a dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine at the Cacovid isolation centre, Mainland, Infectious disease hospital, Yaba, in Lagos, Nigeria. (Photo by: Emmanuel Osodi/Majority World/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The Plateau State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) has urged media practitioners to support its sustainable health insurance initiatives to achieve universal health coverage in the state.
Director-General of PLASCHEMA, Manasseh Nanfwang, made the appeal during an interface with media professionals in Jos with the theme: “Media: A Tool for Sustainable Development.”

Nanfwang emphasised the pivotal role of media partnerships in disseminating vital information about PLASCHEMA’s health insurance policies, enrollment procedures and benefits to the populace.

He said such collaboration aims to educate citizens about the significance of health insurance coverage and empowers them to make informed decisions on their healthcare needs.

Nanfwang while highlighting the media’s role as a catalyst for policy advocacy, underscored its capacity to champion policies supportive of PLASCHEMA’s sustainable health insurance programs.

According to him, through raising awareness about the importance of governmental backing for healthcare initiatives and advocating for health insurance coverage, the media can sway public opinion and policy formulation in favor of expanding access to quality healthcare services.
Nanfwang also pointed out the role of media engagement in fostering communication and collaboration among PLASCHEMA, government bodies, healthcare providers, insurance partners, and the public.

He added that leveraging media platforms for stakeholder engagement facilitates dialogue and collective efforts towards enhancing access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare services through health insurance programs.