Kano Inmates to benefit from Health Insurance Scheme

Inmates in custodial facilities across Kano State will now benefit from enhanced healthcare services due to their inclusion in the state’s Healthcare Contributory Scheme.

The initiative, designed to provide comprehensive health coverage for inmates, was announced during a visit by Dr. Rahila Aliyu Muktar, Executive Secretary of the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KACHMA), to the Nigerian Correctional Service’s Kano State Command.

A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Musbahu Nasarawa, underscored the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of inmates.

“The state government is fully committed to ensuring that all inmates in our facilities receive quality healthcare during their custody,” Dr. Muktar affirmed. “This enrollment will guarantee access to essential and comprehensive healthcare services, enhancing their well-being and supporting their reformation process.”

The Controller of Corrections for Kano State, Ado Inuwa, expressed his gratitude for the government’s efforts, describing the initiative as a pivotal step in improving inmates’ living conditions.

“This development will not only enhance the health of inmates but also inspire them to become law-abiding and productive citizens after their release,” Inuwa stated. “Access to healthcare is vital for effective custodial management and will significantly aid in their rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration.”

Inuwa further emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health and medical welfare of inmates as a cornerstone of their transformation, calling for sustained collaboration between the state government and correctional facilities.

The policy will provide coverage for routine medical check-ups, emergency treatments, and other critical health services, reflecting the state government’s dedication to social welfare and justice.

Nigeria has been working towards achieving universal health coverage through various health insurance schemes at both the national and state levels. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), established in 1999, aimed to provide minimum economic security to workers by pooling health risks and resources.

In 2022, the National Health Insurance Authority Act was enacted, replacing the NHIS with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). This act mandates that all residents of Nigeria have a minimum basic package of health insurance coverage and authorizes states to establish and implement their own State Health Insurance and Contributory Schemes.

Several states have developed their contributory health schemes to enhance healthcare access for their residents.

These state-level schemes are designed to complement the national efforts in achieving universal health coverage by addressing the specific healthcare needs of their populations.