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Introduction to the Health Insurance Initiative
The Kaduna State Government, in partnership with the Kaka Foundation, has launched a one-year free health insurance scheme targeting 200 vulnerable residents in Kaduna North Local Government Area. This initiative, executed through the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), was officially unveiled during a formal ceremony at Arewa House. The program is designed to prioritize access for women, especially pregnant mothers, who make up over 70 percent of the initial beneficiaries.
Deputy Governor’s Perspective
Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe described the program as a “life-saving and poverty-reducing intervention.” She emphasized its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to inclusive healthcare. As a seasoned public health expert, Dr. Balarabe expressed concern that over 75 percent of healthcare expenses in Nigeria are still paid out-of-pocket, placing a significant financial burden on low-income households during medical emergencies.
“This initiative is not only commendable, it is truly transformative,” she said. “It brings relief to the underserved and proves what can be achieved when government and communities work in synergy.”
Dr. Balarabe added that the state government is expanding health insurance coverage for the elderly, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Alongside this, the government is investing in infrastructure, personnel recruitment, and digital health solutions to enhance access in both urban and rural areas.
“Our understanding is simple: health is wealth. A healthy population is a productive, secure, and empowered population,” the Deputy Governor added.
Vision of the Program Champion
The initiative was championed by Abdulazeez Abubakar Kaka, Chairman of the APC Stakeholders Forum and Founder of the Kowa Namu Ne Foundation. He disclosed that the program initially aimed to cover 100 beneficiaries, but following discussions with KADCHMA’s Director-General, the figure was doubled.
“I was inspired by the agency’s impact and knew we had to reach more people,” Kaka said. “The majority of our beneficiaries are pregnant women, because data shows they require the most care. The high rate of maternal mortality in poor households is unacceptable—this is our response.”
He credited the success of the initiative to the strong collaboration with KADCHMA and the support of Governor Uba Sani, who he said has demonstrated consistent commitment to healthcare and social welfare.
“This could not have happened without the Governor’s vision,” Kaka noted. “We urge other individuals and organisations to step in. Government alone cannot carry the burden.”
Kaka also hinted at plans to scale up the program, with a vision to reach 1,000 beneficiaries in future phases and potentially replicate the model across the country.
“If we get the right support—financial, mental, even spiritual—we can do more. Today is just the beginning,” he said.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Dr. Balarabe commended KADCHMA’s efforts to deepen community engagement and expand coverage among informal sector workers, stressing that such approaches are vital to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“What we are witnessing today is a shining example of what can happen when government, citizens, and institutions unite for the common good,” she said.
The one-year scheme will provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to some of the most underserved communities in Kaduna. This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of healthcare accessibility and affordability in the region.
