Dauda Abba,the chairman of Kudan Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna State, has proposed that intending couples be required to present the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) enrollment card before proceeding with marriage.

According to him, this requirement would help boost enrollment into the KADCHMA health insurance scheme.

Abba made the proposal at the Kudan LGA Secretariat during the inauguration of the informal sector enrollment campaign by KADCHMA.

He explained that the proposal is designed to ensure that couples have access to quality healthcare services. The initiative is being supported by engenderhealth consortium, international society for media in public health (ISMPH), centre for communication and social impact (CCSI), and legislative advocacy initiative for sustainable development goals (LISDEL).

The chairman noted that pregnant women, in particular, would benefit from the scheme’s coverage for antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal services.

He emphasised that the scheme provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, enabling pregnant women to access quality healthcare without facing financial difficulties. He added that whether or not complications arise during pregnancy, the scheme guarantees access to essential maternal care, thereby reducing maternal mortality rates.

Abba further stated, “The N10,650 annual charge fee covers numerous diseases and services, including antenatal care and delivery, making it a comprehensive healthcare solution for pregnant women.”

The chairman expressed his belief that making KADCHMA enrollment a mandatory requirement for marriage would improve public awareness and uptake of the scheme, ultimately enhancing the health and wellbeing of citizens.

He revealed plans to push for an Executive Order to the LGA legislative arm, seeking their input to create by-laws that would make it compulsory for intending couples to present KADCHMA enrollment cards before getting married.

He also mentioned that the by-law would require political office aspirants within the LGA to present valid KADCHMA enrollment cards, as part of efforts to support the scheme’s effective implementation.

“The by-law will require individuals to have a KADCHMA card before getting married, and individuals before contesting for political positions. We are optimistic that the by-law will be ready within two to three weeks, and forward a copy to relevant stakeholders,” he said.

Abba pledged to enroll 1,000 people into the scheme initially, with plans to add another 1,000 after the successful completion of the first batch. He also called on traditional and religious leaders, as well as other stakeholders, to disseminate information about the scheme within households and support its implementation.

Earlier, Abubakar Hassan, the director-general of KADCHMA, highlighted the scheme’s objective of ensuring that all residents have access to quality and affordable healthcare services without financial strain.

Hassan explained that the campaign was designed to educate grassroots communities on the benefits of the health scheme, engaging local stakeholders and traditional leaders to champion the initiative.

He said the gathering aimed to secure buy-in from local government authorities, identify community-specific barriers to enrollment, and encourage shared responsibility and local ownership for better health outcomes.

The director-general expressed concern over the country’s high maternal mortality rate, noting that the N10,650 annual charge fee under the scheme covers numerous health services—including antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care—with or without complications.

He added that over 50 women who enrolled in the scheme had given birth through cesarean section under the coverage.

“KADCHMA’s goal is to ensure all residents have access to quality and affordable health services without financial hardship, aligning with the vision of Universal Health Coverage,” Hassan said.

He noted that the scheme promises improved access to health services, financial protection, and a reduction in maternal and child mortality, ultimately positioning Kaduna State as a model for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.

Hassan explained that the initiative aligns with the state government’s agenda to serve underserved and unserved populations, particularly in rural areas.

He stated, “Health is no longer a privilege in Kaduna State, but a right.”

He urged stakeholders to serve as enrollment ambassadors, encouraging traditional rulers and council members to support the scheme through community development plans and sensitisation campaigns.

In his remarks, Halliru Mahmood, the district head of Kudan, praised abba for initiating the proposal, describing the health scheme as one that would offer financial protection and improve access to quality healthcare for the people.

He remarked that the required N10,650 enrollment fee was a modest amount considering the immense benefits of the programme.

Mahmood said the scheme could significantly help reduce maternal and child mortality—challenges that remain pressing in Nigeria.

He pointed out that the initiative would offer vital financial protection for families, especially those unable to afford out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

The district head concluded that the programme would make a positive difference in the health and general wellbeing of the people.