The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, on enrollment of workers into the scheme.
According to a statement by SOCHEMA Public Relations Officer, Hamza Maiturare, the MoU was signed by Health Commissioner, Asabe Balarabe, NLC and TUC Chairmen, Abdullahi Aliyu and Ibrahim Shehu, respectively.
It stated that the Director-General of SOCHEMA, Mr Abubakar Yusuf, also signed the document.
The statement quoted the commissioner as describing the exercise as, “A landmark achievement toward enhancing the healthcare and overall welfare of workers along within families”.
Balarabe noted that in the past, unions were agitated about the scheme’s enrollments because of the proposed deductions and other misunderstandings but noted that the workers now have a better understanding of the scheme and agreed to participate following a series of meetings with SOCHEMA.
The Director-General of SOCHEMA, explained stated that every participating worker would contribute four per cent of his basic salary to the scheme monthly, while four of his family members will also benefit.
According to him, workers are entitled to quality healthcare services anywhere in the state at a subsidised rate, adding that the scheme covers diseases such as malaria and hypertension, among others.
It was noted that the ceremony was witnessed by the Chairman, House Committee on Health in the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Dauda.
(NAN)
