Kaduna State has commenced the distribution of Health Insurance Identity Cards to 15,000 vulnerable residents as part of its Health Insurance Scheme, in a move aimed at strengthening maternal and child healthcare.
The launch ceremony, held at Hotel Seventeen in Kaduna, brought together senior government officials, development partners, and traditional rulers, including the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamalli. Representatives from UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) also attended, alongside beneficiaries drawn from across the state.
Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, who represented Governor Uba Sani, described the initiative as “a day of purpose, promise, and progress.” She reiterated the administration’s determination to ensure no resident is denied access to quality medical services because of financial constraints.
“This is not just about distributing cards. It is about delivering care, compassion, and commitment—offering health for all, hope for all, and help for all,” she said.
Balarabe outlined progress made under Governor Sani’s administration, including the upgrading of 255 Primary Health Care centres and General Hospitals, equipped with modern facilities, skilled staff and solar power. These improvements, she noted, have boosted maternal care, reduced child mortality and eased the financial burden of medical expenses on families.
She commended CHAI for enrolling over 20,000 vulnerable residents—mostly women—into the scheme, and praised traditional rulers for their role in mobilising communities to support healthcare initiatives.
The deputy governor also urged corporate bodies, philanthropists and community leaders to sponsor additional beneficiaries, describing the card distribution as a transformative step towards safeguarding the health of Kaduna’s most disadvantaged citizens.
