The Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority has expanded its health insurance awareness campaign into the informal sector to increase access to affordable healthcare.

The Wednesday campaign in Kaduna, organised in collaboration with Manaal Specialist Hospital, Kawo, also featured the commissioning of a KADCHMA information and enrolment office.

Saidu Bala, head of planning, research and statistics of KADCHMA, said the initiative aimed to sensitise informal sector operators on the benefits of enrolling in the state health insurance scheme.

Mr Bala said the sensitisation had already yielded positive results, with more than 10 people paying and enrolling immediately after the programme. He disclosed that a philanthropist from the Kawo community had also sponsored 50 vulnerable residents to access free medical services for one year.

Mr Bala explained that the scheme categorised beneficiaries into four groups: formal sector workers, informal sector operators, vulnerable populations and other eligible participants.

According to him, the vulnerable category comprises people without the financial capacity to pay for their healthcare services.

Mr Bala said health insurance remained a critical pathway to achieving Universal Health Coverage and protecting households from excessive medical expenses. He said enrollees could access affordable and quality healthcare services for one year with an annual contribution of N10,650.

He explained that the amount was substantially subsidised through government support to ensure residents accessed healthcare without experiencing catastrophic health expenditure.

Mr Bala urged traders, artisans and other informal sector operators to take advantage of the scheme to secure access to essential medical services.

Ishaq Muhammad, chief medical director of Manaal Specialist Hospital, said the new office would bring KADCHMA services closer to residents. Mr Muhammad said the initiative was designed to reduce the stress of travelling to the Ministry of Health to register for the state health insurance scheme.

Mr Muhammad said the office would serve as a KADCHMA branch, facilitating registration, sensitisation, and enrolment, particularly among informal sector operators. He assured enrollees that the hospital was fully prepared to provide adequate medical care and all necessary healthcare services under the scheme.

Mr Muhammad urged residents to take advantage of the opportunity to register and enjoy affordable healthcare services.

Hannatu Abubakar-Ladan, head of marketing and business development of KADCHMA, said the programme was designed to improve public understanding of the scheme. She said the objectives included educating participants on the scheme’s benefits, eligibility requirements and enrolment procedures.

Ms Ladan said the initiative also aimed to mobilise informal sector groups, including traders, artisans, transport operators, market associations, cooperatives and small business owners.

(NAN)