The Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency has reported a significant expansion in health insurance coverage, with enrolment increasing from 497,262 lives in 2023 to 933,014 in 2025 — representing an 87.6 per cent growth over two years.
Dr. Rahila Muktar, Executive Secretary of KSCHMA, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Kano to mark the 2025 Universal Health Coverage Day.
“This achievement demonstrates the state government’s commitment to providing affordable and quality healthcare services through the Kano State Contributory Health Scheme,” Muktar said.
She noted that the 2025 UHC theme, ‘Unaffordable Health Costs: We Are Sick of It!’, aligns closely with the agency’s mission to protect families from catastrophic healthcare spending.
“Since assuming office in June 2023, we have prioritised aggressive enrolment expansion and financial protection for residents. Our mandate is clear: to expand access to quality healthcare and make healthcare a right, not a privilege,” she added.
Breaking down the figures, Muktar said the state-funded Vulnerable Group Programme saw a 935 per cent increase, rising from 4,903 to 50,745 beneficiaries, while enrolment under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund grew by 215 per cent, from 108,664 to 342,515.
The agency also recorded a 40 per cent increase in the formal sector, reaching 537,914 individuals, and over 1,143 per cent growth in the informal sector, from 148 to 1,840 enrollees.
The expanded coverage now supports 145,723 pregnant women, 124,802 children under five, 46,512 persons with disabilities, 31,003 patients with chronic conditions, 29,473 people living with HIV, 3,609 inmates, and 8,053 others with medical conditions such as hypertension and spinal cord injuries.
“We have strengthened collaborations with stakeholders including the State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Hospitals Management Board, Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS, and development partners to ensure inclusion and efficiency in service delivery,” Muktar said.
The executive secretary also highlighted new initiatives, including the Zakat and Waqf Programme to support vulnerable groups, and digital tools for service utilisation at primary healthcare centres to enhance transparency and accountability.
Activities marking the 2025 UHC Day in Kano include the distribution of essential items to vulnerable groups and the launch of informal sector enrolment across the state.
Dr. Muktar concluded, “Universal Health Coverage remains the umbrella goal for global health development, and inclusion is at its core. We remain committed to ensuring that all Kano residents can access healthcare with dignity and without financial hardship.”
