Kaduna LG Shakes Things Up: Health Insurance Now a Must for Couples and Political Hopefuls!

The Chairman of Kudan Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna State, Dauda Abba, has proposed that intending couples be required to present proof of enrollment with the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) before they can get married.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abba explained that this measure would boost enrollment in the health insurance scheme while ensuring couples have access to quality healthcare services.

He made the proposal on Monday at the Kudan LGA Secretariat during the flag-off of KADCHMA’s informal sector enrollment campaign. The exercise, supported by EngenderHealth Consortium, the International Society for Media in Public Health, the Centre for Communication and Social Impact, and the Legislative Advocacy Initiative for Sustainable Development Goals, will also be launched in Kagarko and Chikun LGAs and is expected to cover all 23 LGAs in Kaduna State.

Highlighting the benefits of the scheme, Abba said pregnant women would be among the biggest beneficiaries as the coverage includes antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care—helping to reduce maternal mortality rates while shielding families from unexpected medical expenses.

“The ₦10,650 annual premium covers a wide range of diseases and services, including antenatal and delivery care, making it a comprehensive healthcare package,” Abba said.

To ensure the proposal becomes law, Abba revealed plans to push for an Executive Order and work with the LGA legislative arm to draft by-laws mandating couples to present KADCHMA enrollment cards before marriage. The same requirement, he noted, would also apply to political office aspirants in the LGA as part of efforts to deepen participation in the scheme.

“The by-law will mandate individuals to hold a valid KADCHMA card before getting married or contesting for political office. We are confident that the by-law will be ready within two to three weeks and will be shared with relevant stakeholders,” he added.

The chairman also pledged to sponsor the enrollment of 1,000 people into the scheme initially, with plans to enroll another 1,000 afterward. He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to spread awareness and support the initiative.

Earlier, KADCHMA Director-General Abubakar Hassan reiterated that the goal of the scheme is to ensure residents can access quality, affordable healthcare without financial hardship. Hassan said the campaign was designed to educate grassroots communities on the benefits of enrollment, address local barriers, and encourage shared responsibility among stakeholders.

He lamented the high rate of maternal mortality in the state, stressing that the ₦10,650 annual premium covers services from antenatal care through delivery, with or without complications.