APHPN STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH PLASCHEMA TO DEEPEN HEALTH COVERAGE IN PLATEAU

In a move aimed at reinforcing collaboration within the health sector, the Jos Chapter of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) has engaged the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) in high-level discussions focused on expanding access to quality healthcare services across Plateau State.

The strategic visit, held at PLASCHEMA’s headquarters in Gada-Biu, Jos, provided a platform for both institutions to explore stronger cooperation in healthcare financing, systems strengthening, research, and policy formulation.

Leading the delegation, the Plateau State Chairperson of APHPN, Dr. Asabe Maina, emphasized the importance of building structured partnerships that deliver measurable impact. She commended PLASCHEMA for its visible strides in broadening health insurance coverage and expressed the Association’s readiness to provide technical expertise in research, policy advisory, and evidence-driven interventions to support the Agency’s mandate.

Dr. Maina noted that aligning professional public health expertise with PLASCHEMA’s operational framework would significantly enhance sustainable healthcare financing models and improve service delivery outcomes across the state.

Receiving the delegation, the Director-General of PLASCHEMA, Dr. Kwande Solomon Dawal, described the engagement as both strategic and forward-looking. He appreciated APHPN’s recognition of the Agency’s efforts and reiterated PLASCHEMA’s commitment to partnerships that strengthen institutional capacity and expand coverage.

Dr. Dawal highlighted the Agency’s Department of Research and Statistics as a critical hub for data-driven decision-making, stressing that collaboration with APHPN would enhance database management, technical analysis, and evidence-based planning

He further disclosed that PLASCHEMA is intensifying the implementation of Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) initiatives across Plateau State, targeting vulnerable groups and informal sector workers to ensure broader financial protection. According to him, APHPN’s involvement will add professional depth to the framework, particularly in technical support and strategic monitoring.

On public health advocacy, the Director-General assured the Association of PLASCHEMA’s partnership in delivering a comprehensive and impactful World Health Day celebration in the state, reinforcing the Agency’s commitment to collective health promotion efforts.

The APHPN delegation, which included its Secretary, Dr. Kwatmen Hillary, and other executive members, was received by PLASCHEMA’s management team in an atmosphere marked by shared purpose and professional camaraderie.

The engagement concluded with both institutions reaffirming their mutual commitment to sustainable collaboration, with a shared vision of achieving broader health insurance coverage and improved health outcomes for the people of Plateau State.