Kaduna pensioners to benefit from health insurance scheme

The Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) and the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health insurance for its pensioners.

Speaking at the signing of the MoU on Monday in Kaduna, the Director-General (DG) of KADCHMA, Abubakar Hassan, said the benefits of the scheme for the pensioners were immense.

He explained that with the health insurance, pensioners would have access to health care services from any public or private health facility across the state without having to spend from their pockets.

With this, Hassan said, pensioners could receive the care they needed without worrying about the financial burden that often comes with accessing healthcare services.

He disclosed that the annual premium for the health insurance scheme was N10,600, thereby making it affordable for the pensioners.

“This will facilitate access to quality healthcare to our pensioners, in line with the promises of governor Uba Sani’s administration to provide access to quality care through a state contributory health insurance scheme.

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“As the State Health Insurance Manager, our objectives are clear. We aim to enroll more residents into the scheme to make healthcare more affordable and secure a sustainable funding basis for our health facilities.

“We also seek to extend health insurance cover to poor and vulnerable citizens through the basic health care provision fund, as well as enroll persons employed in the informal sector into the contributory health insurance scheme.

“Our ultimate goal is to build consensus across the state for adopting contributory health insurance as the most affordable way to access healthcare in public facilities,” Hassan said.

He thanked the State’s Pension Bureau and the state chapter of NUP for embracing the scheme.

He urged other organizations’, associations and bodies to follow suit and enroll their members in the social insurance scheme.

Also, the Chairman of NUP, Kaduna Chapter, Mr. Aboman Ladan, said the MoU signing marked a significant milestone in their efforts towards ensuring that their members have access to quality healthcare without financial burdens.

“We believe that our pensioners deserve the best, and this scheme will go a long way in improving their overall well-being,” he said.

Ladan commended KADCHMA for their commitment to making healthcare affordable and accessible to all, while urging their members to take advantage of the scheme and enroll in the health insurance program.

Doing so, he said, the pensioners would live healthy and fulfilling lives, free from the worry of medical expenses.

Also, the National representative of the NUP, Ahmed Garzali, described pensioners as the most vulnerable, who were affected most by fuel subsidy removal.

He said the health insurance for their members in the state is a step toward addressing their out-of-pocket spending on health, while calling for sincerity of purpose and full implementation of the MoU.

Earlier, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmed, said the collaboration between KADCHMA and the NUP marked a monumental step in the state government’s collective efforts towards ensuring the health and well-being of its pensioners.

Ahmed added that Sani’s leadership was instrumental in advancing healthcare initiatives that prioritize the well-being of every citizen, particularly senior citizens who have served the state with distinction.

She also said that Kaduna State Government recognized that the health of every citizen was a priority, which extended especially to its pensioners who have dedicated their lives to serving the state and nation.

By enrolling pensioners into the State Contributory Health Scheme, the commissioner said, they were taking proactive steps to safeguard the pensioners health and enhance their quality of life in retirement.

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According to her, the contributory health scheme plays a critical role in reducing the financial burden of medical expenses, particularly for those in their later years who are often more vulnerable to health challenges.

“The Kaduna State Health Insurance Scheme is designed to provide comprehensive and affordable healthcare coverage, ensuring that no one, regardless of age or economic status, is left behind.

“The partnership between KADCHMA and the NUP is a strategic initiative that aligns with our vision of universal health coverage for all residents of Kaduna State.

“This MoU is more than just a document; it is a covenant that reaffirms our shared commitment to upholding the dignity and well-being of our pensioners.

”It symbolizes our dedication to creating a health system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of every citizen,” she said.

She assured the pensioners that the government would implement the agreement effectively, while ensuring that the enrollment process is seamless, transparent, and accessible to all eligible pensioners.

“By doing so, we will not only fulfill our promise of providing quality healthcare but also demonstrate our commitment to the values of empathy, respect, and service,” Ahmed said.