Kaduna unveils plan to transform boarding school health services, tackle healthcare

The Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) has announced a collaborative effort to revitalize sickbays in public boarding schools.

The initiative aims to forge crucial links between these school health facilities and the nearest primary or secondary healthcare centers, ensuring affordable access to quality healthcare services.

During a two-day engagement workshop held in Zaria on Thursday, Abubakar Hassan, the director-general of KADCHMA, shared insights into the ambitious plan.

The envisioned referral system would seamlessly transport students to nearby facilities in case of medical complications beyond the capacity of the sickbays, fostering a conducive environment for both parents and students pursuing knowledge.

Set to commence in 2024, the initiative aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s agenda to utilize the contributory health scheme as a powerful tool for poverty reduction.

The overarching goal is to encourage robust enrollment into the scheme, thereby alleviating the financial burden on households and preventing healthcare expenses from leading to impoverishment.

According to a health account survey conducted by KADCHMA, a staggering 84.2% of Kaduna residents currently bear heavy out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare services.

The survey, covering the period from 2017 to 2021, underscores the urgency of pooling resources under the contributory health scheme to ensure widespread access to quality healthcare at affordable rates.
Hassan emphasized that the initiative not only addresses the immediate healthcare needs of students but also aims to curb high out-of-pocket expenses, ultimately safeguarding residents from the vicious cycle of poverty.

The workshop, attended by media managers, signifies a concerted effort to raise awareness and drive enrollment, aligning with the broader vision of leveraging healthcare as a catalyst for positive social and economic change in Kaduna.