By Stella Kabruk

The Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) on Wednesday inaugurated its first Local Government Area office at Panteka Market, Kaduna South, to expand access to health insurance services.

The Director-General of KADCHMA, Mr Abubakar Hassan, said the office would bring the Kaduna State Contributory Health Scheme closer to residents, especially traders, artisans, business owners and other informal sector workers.

He said the facility would enable residents to enrol in the scheme, renew their membership, update their records, lodge complaints and obtain information on healthcare services.

Hassan said locating the office at Panteka Market, one of the state’s largest commercial hubs, would improve enrolment and strengthen public engagement.

“The Contributory Health Scheme is more than a means of financing healthcare. It is a social protection mechanism that shields families from catastrophic health expenses while ensuring timely access to quality healthcare,” he said.

He urged market associations, trade unions, cooperatives and community groups in Kaduna South and adjoining communities to enrol in the scheme.

The director-general attributed the initiative to Gov. Uba Sani’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and expanding access to affordable health services across the state.

He also commended development partners, healthcare providers, traditional and religious leaders, market executives and other stakeholders for supporting the project.

Hassan urged staff of the office to uphold professionalism, integrity and prompt service in attending to clients.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Kaduna South Local Government Area, Hon. Rayyan Hussain, described the office as the first KADCHMA local government office in the state.

Hussain said the office would make health insurance services more accessible to residents and encouraged traders, artisans and other informal sector workers to enrol in the scheme.

He said wider enrolment would reduce the financial burden of healthcare on households while supporting the state’s drive towards Universal Health Coverage. (NAN)