The Chairman of Kudan Local Government Area in Kaduna State, Hon. Dauda Abba, has proposed a new policy that would require intending couples to present proof of enrollment in the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) scheme as a precondition for marriage.
Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the informal sector enrollment campaign at the Kudan LGA Secretariat, Abba stated that the initiative aims to bolster participation in the state’s contributory health scheme, while ensuring access to quality healthcare for couples and families.
“This policy will not only encourage mass enrollment but also guarantee that couples begin their marital journey with access to affordable and quality healthcare services,” he said.
The campaign, which will also be launched in Kagarko and Chikun Local Government Areas, is expected to extend across all 23 LGAs of Kaduna State. The initiative is supported by the EngenderHealth Consortium, International Society for Media in Public Health, Centre for Communication and Social Impact, and the Legislative Advocacy Initiative for Sustainable Development Goals.
Comprehensive Healthcare for Families
Highlighting the benefits of the health scheme, Abba emphasized that pregnant women stand to gain significantly from coverage that includes antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal services — with or without complications.
“The N10,650 annual enrollment fee covers a broad range of healthcare services, offering comprehensive protection to women during pregnancy and childbirth,” he noted. “The scheme is designed to reduce maternal mortality and protect families from unexpected medical expenses.”
To drive uptake, the chairman announced plans to introduce an Executive Order, to be submitted to the LGA legislative arm, proposing a by-law that mandates KADCHMA enrollment for all intending couples. He also revealed plans to extend this requirement to individuals seeking elective political office in the LGA.
“We are optimistic that the by-law will be finalized within the next two to three weeks and submitted to relevant stakeholders,” Abba said.
As part of his commitment, Abba pledged to sponsor the enrollment of 1,000 residents into the scheme, with plans to double that number after the initial phase.
He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other community stakeholders to promote awareness and support implementation at the grassroots level.
KADCHMA’s Broader Vision
Also speaking at the event, Director-General of KADCHMA, Mr. Abubakar Hassan, reiterated the scheme’s objective of providing equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare for all residents of Kaduna State, particularly in underserved communities.
Hassan explained that the ongoing campaign seeks to engage grassroots stakeholders, including traditional leaders and community influencers, in order to address context-specific barriers and drive enrollment.
“We are working towards the vision of Universal Health Coverage by ensuring financial protection and improving access to essential health services,” he said. “More than 50 women enrolled in the scheme have successfully delivered their babies through cesarean sections without financial burden.”
The DG stressed that the initiative aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s Rural Transformation Agenda, aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of rural and vulnerable populations.
“Health is no longer a privilege in Kaduna State — it is a right,” Hassan asserted.
He urged stakeholders to serve as community ambassadors for the scheme, integrating KADCHMA enrollment into community development plans and local sensitization efforts.
Community Endorsement
Halliru Mahmood, the District Head of Kudan, commended Governor Sani and the implementing agencies for their commitment to strengthening healthcare access in the state. He described the annual registration fee as modest compared to the significant health benefits it delivers.
Mahmood emphasized the importance of the initiative in curbing maternal and child mortality, which remain pressing health concerns in Nigeria. He called on families, particularly those with limited means, to take advantage of the financial protection the scheme provides.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including community volunteers, ward development committee members, and traditional and religious leaders, all of whom pledged their support for the health scheme’s success.
