The Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) has launched a groundbreaking health insurance scheme tailored for pensioners, aimed at providing comprehensive and affordable healthcare coverage. The scheme, unveiled on Monday, is a result of a strategic partnership between KADCHMA and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), and underscores the state government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of its elderly citizens.
Speaking at the launch event, Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmed, emphasized that the initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses on pensioners. She highlighted the importance of this scheme in the state’s broader vision of achieving universal health coverage for all residents, particularly the vulnerable and elderly.
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“This health insurance scheme is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that healthcare services are not only accessible but also affordable for all citizens,” said Ahmed. She praised Governor Uba Sani for his unwavering support of the Contributory Health Scheme, which she described as essential for improving the quality of life for pensioners across the state.
The scheme, which is expected to benefit thousands of pensioners, offers access to healthcare services at both public and private health facilities across Kaduna State. The enrollment process has been designed to be seamless, transparent, and accessible to all eligible pensioners, ensuring that they can receive quality care without the burden of out-of-pocket expenses.
In his remarks, Abubakar Hassan, Director-General of KADCHMA, explained that the annual premium for the scheme is set at an affordable rate of less than N10,600. This pricing, he noted, makes it one of the most cost-effective healthcare solutions available to pensioners in the state. “This initiative aligns with Senator Uba Sani’s administration’s promises to provide access to quality healthcare through a state contributory health insurance scheme,” Hassan said.
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The scheme was developed following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KADCHMA, the Kaduna State Pension Bureau, and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners. Hassan commended the collaboration between these entities, noting that their joint efforts will ensure that pensioners receive the healthcare services they deserve.
Hassan further stated that the ultimate goal of the state government is to build a consensus across Kaduna State on the adoption of contributory health insurance as the most sustainable and affordable way to access healthcare services.
With this initiative, Kaduna State sets a precedent in ensuring that its pensioners can enjoy a dignified and healthy life in retirement, free from the stress of medical costs.
