The Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) has extended its health insurance awareness campaign to the informal sector to increase access to affordable healthcare.
The campaign, held Wednesday in Kaduna in partnership with Manaal Specialist Hospital, Kawo, also included the commissioning of a KADCHMA information and enrolment office.
Saidu Bala, Head of Planning, Research and Statistics at KADCHMA, stated that the initiative aims to inform informal sector operators about the benefits of enrolling in the state health insurance scheme.
Bala noted that the sensitisation efforts have already produced positive results.
More than 10 people paid and enrolled immediately after the programme.
He added that a philanthropist from the Kawo community sponsored 50 vulnerable residents to receive free medical services for one year.
He explained that the scheme categorised beneficiaries into four groups: formal sector workers, informal sector operators, vulnerable populations and other eligible participants.
According to him, the vulnerable category includes individuals who lack the financial means to pay for healthcare services.
Bala SaBala said health insurance is essential to achieve Universal Health Coverage and protect households from excessive medical expenses. ID enrollees could access affordable and quality healthcare services for one year with an annual contribution of N10. He explained that this amount is substantially subsidised by government support to ensure residents can access healthcare without facing catastrophic health expenses. Future.
Bala encouraged traders, artisans, and other informal sector operators to enrol in the scheme to secure essential medical care. Earlier, Dr Ishaq Muhammad, Chief Medical Director of Manaal Specialist Hospital, said the new office would bring KADCHMA services closer to residents. Muhammad stated that the initiative aims to reduce the need for residents to travel to the Ministry of Health to register for the state health insurance scheme.
He
said that the office will serve as a KADCHMA branch, facilitating registration, sensitisation, and enrolment, especially for informal sector operators.a
The Chief Medical Director assured enrollees that the hospital is fully prepared to provide comprehensive medical care and all necessary healthcare services under the scheme. He encouraged residents to register and benefit from affordable healthcare services. Annatu Abubakar-Ladan, Head of Marketing and Business Development of KADCHMA, said the programme was designed to improve public understanding of the scheme.
She explained that the objectives include educating participants about the scheme’s benefits, eligibility requirements, and enrolment procedures.
Ladan said that the initiative also seeks to mobilise informal sector groups, such as traders, artisans, transport operators, market associations, cooperatives, and small business owners. She identified the commissioning of the KADCHMA information and enrolment office as another key objective of the programme. Beneficiary, Aisha Muhammad, said the scheme had enabled her to access several healthcare services, including medical scans and blood pressure checks.
She said the services also covered treatment for malaria, typhoid fever and antenatal care for pregnant women.
