KUDAN LG TO MAKE HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATORY FOR COUPLES, POLITICAL ASPIRANTS. (PHOTO).

 Kudan LG To Make Health Insurance Mandatory For Couples, Political Aspirants

The Chairman of Kudan Local Government Area in Kaduna State, Dauda Abba, has proposed making health insurance enrollment a prerequisite for marriage and political candidacy within the LGA.

Abba announced this initiative on Monday at the Kudan LGA Secretariat during the inauguration of the informal sector enrollment campaign by the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA).

He explained that requiring couples to present KADCHMA enrollment cards before getting married would not only ensure access to quality healthcare but also boost participation in the health insurance scheme.

The campaign, supported by the EngenderHealth Consortium, International Society for Media in Public Health, Centre for Communication and Social Impact, and Legislative Advocacy Initiative for Sustainable Development Goals, will expand across all 23 LGAs in Kaduna State. Kagarko and Chikun LGAs will also host similar events.

Abba emphasized that pregnant women, in particular, would benefit from the scheme, which covers antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal services—even in cases involving complications. The annual enrollment fee of ₦10,650 covers a wide range of healthcare services, offering financial protection and reducing maternal mortality rates.

In a move to institutionalize the policy, Abba said he would present an Executive Order to the local legislative council to enact a by-law mandating KADCHMA enrollment for both intending couples and political office aspirants. He noted that the draft law could be ready in two to three weeks.

He pledged to enroll 1,000 people initially, with plans to add another 1,000 after successful implementation. The chairman also called on traditional and religious leaders to support the initiative by raising awareness among residents.

Speaking at the event, KADCHMA Director-General Abubakar Hassan reiterated the scheme’s goal of providing accessible and affordable healthcare without financial strain. He said the awareness campaign targeted grassroots communities to educate them on the scheme’s benefits and gain the support of traditional leaders and local authorities.

Hassan lamented high maternal mortality rates and pointed out that over 50 women have already given birth through cesarean section under the scheme. He described the health initiative as central to Governor Uba Sani’s Rural Transformation Agenda, which focuses on reaching underserved populations in rural areas.

“Health is no longer a privilege in Kaduna State but a right,” Hassan declared, urging stakeholders to act as enrollment ambassadors and integrate the initiative into community development plans.

Also speaking, Halliru Mahmood, District Head of Kudan, praised Governor Sani for launching the program, which he said would offer financial protection and improve access to healthcare. Mahmood noted that the ₦10,650 fee is a small cost compared to the potential life-saving benefits.

The event was attended by various community stakeholders including volunteers, ward development committees, and religious leaders.