The Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) has partnered with the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Kaduna State chapter, to provide health insurance coverage for pensioners in the state. The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday in Kaduna.
During the signing ceremony, KADCHMA Director-General Abubakar Hassan highlighted the significant benefits the health insurance scheme will offer to pensioners. He emphasized that the scheme would allow pensioners to access healthcare services at both public and private health facilities across the state without the need for out-of-pocket expenses.
“This initiative ensures that pensioners can receive the necessary medical care without the financial strain typically associated with healthcare costs,” Mr. Hassan explained. He also noted that the annual premium for the health insurance scheme is set at an affordable N10,600, making it accessible to pensioners.
Mr. Hassan expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Pension Bureau and the state chapter of NUP for their support in adopting the scheme. He encouraged other organizations and associations to consider enrolling their members in the social insurance scheme to extend these benefits to a broader population.
NUP Kaduna Chairman, Aboman Ladan, described the MoU signing as a significant milestone in the union’s efforts to ensure that members have access to quality healthcare without the burden of financial constraints. He praised KADCHMA for its dedication to making healthcare affordable and urged union members to take full advantage of the insurance program, noting that it would enable pensioners to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
In his remarks, Ahmed Garzali, a national representative of the NUP, underscored the vulnerability of pensioners, particularly in the wake of the recent fuel subsidy removal. He emphasized that the health insurance scheme represents a crucial step in reducing pensioners’ out-of-pocket healthcare spending. He called for sincere implementation of the MoU to ensure that the benefits reach all eligible pensioners.
Kaduna State Health Commissioner, Umma Ahmed, also spoke at the event, stating that the partnership between KADCHMA and the NUP is a monumental step in the state government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of its retired citizens.
