Kaduna: Kaduna State has launched the distribution of Health Insurance Identity Cards to 15,000 vulnerable residents under the Kaduna State Health Insurance Scheme, aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare. The flag-off ceremony, held at Hotel Seventeen in Kaduna, brought together senior government officials, development partners, and traditional leaders, including the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamalli.
According to Voice of Nigeria, representatives from UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) were also in attendance, alongside beneficiaries from across the state. Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, representing Governor Uba Sani, described the event as ‘a day of purpose, promise, and progress.’ She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen is denied quality medical care due to financial barriers.
Balarabe emphasized that the initiative is not just about distributing cards but delivering care, compassion, and commitment, offering health, hope, and help for all. She highlighted the revitalization of 255 Primary Health Care facilities and General Hospitals, equipped with modern technology, skilled personnel, and solar power, since Governor Sani took office. These upgrades have reportedly improved maternal care, reduced child mortality, and protected families from out-of-pocket medical costs.
She commended CHAI for enrolling over 20,000 vulnerable people-mostly women-into the scheme and praised traditional rulers for mobilizing community support for health programs. She also urged corporate organizations, philanthropists, and community leaders to sponsor more residents, calling the card distribution a transformative step towards a healthier future for the state’s most vulnerable.