In a major effort to improve healthcare access in Kaduna State, the Kowa Namu Ne Foundation has launched a Free Health Insurance Programme for residents of Kaduna North Local Government Area.
The Initiative is in line with Governor Uba Sani’s ongoing healthcare reforms and aims to strengthen access to quality healthcare services for underserved communities.
The program, which operates under the Kaduna State Contributory Health Scheme (KADCHMA), is entirely funded by philanthropist Abdulazeez Kaka through his foundation, Kowa Namu Ne.
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The official launch event took place at Arewa House in Kaduna, drawing attendance from various dignitaries, including the Director-General of KADCHMA, management staff, state commissioners, health stakeholders, and respected community leaders.
Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, in her address, lauded the initiative as “life-saving” and a “powerful example of humanity and social responsibility.”
She highlighted the pressing issue of out-of-pocket spending on health, which currently accounts for nearly 75% of total health expenditures in Nigeria.
This financial burden frequently thrusts families into economic hardship during health crises.
Balarabe expressed her appreciation for Abdulazeez Kaka and the Kowa Namu Ne Foundation, referring to their contributions as ”generous and visionary.”
She also urged other individuals, organizations, and corporate entities throughout the state to consider supporting health insurance coverage, framing it as a crucial component of community development and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The Director-General of KADCHMA, Abubakar Hassan, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to ensuring accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all residents of Kaduna State.
He emphasized that the launch of the free one-year health insurance program signifies a major milestone in the ongoing health sector reforms within the state, illustrating the potential of fruitful partnerships between government and civil society.
This initiative marks a remarkable advancement in healthcare accessibility in Kaduna, fostering hope for many residents who have been previously burdened by healthcare costs.