By Maimuma Sey Jawo
The Ministry of Health Monday completed a five-day Message Development workshop on Electronic Birth Registration and National Health Insurance Enrolment at Mansakonko in the Lower River Region (LRR).
The forum brought together over 30 stakeholders and was meant to develop communication materials that will use to sensitize the public on enrollment into the national Health Insurance Scheme, designed by the government.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Permanent Secretary Technical at the Ministry of Health Karamba Keita underscored the significance of the forum saying the goal is to achieve universal coverage of electronic Birth Registration and Health Insurance Enrolment for all by December 31, 2022.
The director of health promotion and education at ministry of health, Modou Njie, disclosed that the government of The Gambia and partners will commence a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) membership registration and Civil Registration and Vital Statistic (CRVS) across the country from January 31, 2022.
The director of planning ministry of health, Gibril Jarju, also said the NHIS/CRVS programmes when implemented, will lead to a major transformation process of government Health policies and programs that will guarantee a universal access to health care for all citizens and residence of the Gambia.
The governor LRR Rohey John Manjang commended the ministry of health and stakeholders for the initiative and appealed for effective public engagement and awareness raising for the successful implementation of the program.
The regional health director for LRR, Bolong Jorbateh said it will enhance public confidence and trust in the health system for effective and efficient health service delivery.