Kudan LG Chairman Proposes Mandatory Health Insurance for Couples, Political Aspirants
The Chairman of Kudan Local Government Area in Kaduna State, Dauda Abba, has proposed making health insurance enrollment a prerequisite for marriage and political office in the LGA.
Speaking on Monday at the local secretariat during the launch of the informal sector enrollment drive into the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) scheme, Abba said the initiative would increase public enrollment and ensure broader access to healthcare services.
According to him, all intending couples would be required to present proof of enrollment in the KADCHMA scheme before being allowed to marry. He noted that this would also extend to individuals aspiring to hold political office within the local government.
“The by-law will require individuals to have a KADCHMA card before getting married or contesting for political positions,” Abba said, adding that he intends to submit an Executive Order to the local legislative council to facilitate the law’s passage within two to three weeks.
The health insurance initiative, supported by EngenderHealth Consortium, International Society for Media in Public Health, Centre for Communication and Social Impact, and Legislative Advocacy Initiative for Sustainable Development Goals, will be rolled out across all 23 LGAs of Kaduna State. The campaign was simultaneously launched in Kagarko and Chikun LGAs.
Abba said that making health insurance mandatory for marriage and public office would promote access to vital services such as antenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, and coverage for numerous illnesses. He emphasized the scheme’s affordability, noting that the annual enrollment fee of ₦10,650 covers a wide range of health services, including care for pregnancy complications.
“This initiative will not only improve the health and wellbeing of our citizens but also help reduce maternal and child mortality in the state,” he added.
Abba pledged to enroll 1,000 people immediately, with plans to add another 1,000 after the initial phase, urging traditional and religious leaders to support the scheme through community outreach and awareness campaigns.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of KADCHMA, Abubakar Hassan, said the goal of the program is to ensure that all residents of Kaduna have access to affordable, quality healthcare without financial hardship. He highlighted the scheme’s alignment with the state government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) vision and Governor Uba Sani’s Rural Transformation Agenda.
Hassan revealed that over 50 women enrolled in the scheme have already benefited from free cesarean sections. He called on traditional rulers, council members, and local stakeholders to serve as enrollment ambassadors and include the health scheme in their community development plans.
District Head of Kudan, Halliru Mahmood, praised the initiative and described the ₦10,650 annual fee as a modest investment considering the significant health benefits provided. He reiterated the scheme’s potential to reduce maternal and child mortality while offering financial protection for vulnerable families.
Stakeholders at the launch included ward development committees, religious and traditional leaders, and community volunteers.
