Kaduna State University (KASU), through its University Medical Centre, has commenced a community health intervention programme aimed at providing free healthcare coverage to 60 vulnerable residents of the Unguwan Rimi community for a period of one year.
The initiative, which commenced on Monday, 24 August 2026, at the University’s Main Campus, is part of the institution’s commitment to promoting community development, improving access to quality healthcare, and supporting vulnerable members of its host community.
The beneficiaries, drawn from approximately 10 households in Unguwan Rimi, have been enrolled under the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), with their health insurance premiums fully sponsored by Kaduna State University.
Speaking at the commencement of the enrolment exercise, a representative of KADCHMA, Ibrahim Aliyu Mohammed, explained that the Authority was established in 2018 with the mandate of ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare services for residents of Kaduna State, irrespective of their socio-economic status or location.
He disclosed that KADCHMA has so far enrolled more than 700,000 residents across the state, comprising employees in the formal sector, people engaged in informal economic activities, and vulnerable members of communities.
According to him, the scheme provides access to both primary and secondary healthcare services, thereby enabling enrollees to receive essential medical care without being subjected to excessive financial burdens.
“We are here today at Kaduna State University to commence the enrolment of vulnerable people from the community. The University has fully paid for their premium packages, so these beneficiaries will not pay anything out of their pockets,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Director of the Kaduna State University Medical Centre, Dr. Umar Rabiu Mohammed, said the initiative was specifically designed to support vulnerable members of the University’s host community who may otherwise struggle to afford essential healthcare services.
“Today, we are unveiling our community service to members of the Unguwan Rimi community. We have enrolled about 10 households, comprising approximately 60 people, into the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority. Their premiums have been fully paid, and they will enjoy healthcare services for one year,” he said.
Dr. Umar explained that the intervention was motivated by the need to reduce the financial hardship associated with healthcare, particularly among low-income and vulnerable households.
He noted that many families are pushed further into poverty when they are forced to pay large sums of money from their personal resources to treat illnesses, a situation commonly referred to as catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditure.
“By providing these beneficiaries with access to healthcare through the scheme, we are giving them a lifeline. They can now access quality healthcare at the Kaduna State University Medical Centre without worrying about the financial burden,” he added.
The Director further disclosed that the University currently has approximately 300,000 enrollees within its healthcare system and expressed the institution’s determination to expand its coverage to accommodate more beneficiaries.
He said the initiative was consistent with the healthcare development agenda of the Kaduna State Government and broader global efforts towards achieving universal health coverage.
“We are going to bring more people into our fold to reduce the burden of healthcare costs and strengthen the University health system. This is in line with the policy of the State Government and international health goals,” Dr. Umar stated.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to Kaduna State University and KADCHMA for extending the initiative to their community. They described the gesture as timely and significant, particularly for households that may find it difficult to meet the rising cost of healthcare.
One of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the University and KADCHMA, praying for the continued success of the institutions and the expansion of the programme to reach more vulnerable members of the community.
The initiative further demonstrates Kaduna State University’s commitment to fulfilling its social responsibility and strengthening its relationship with communities within its immediate environment through impactful health and community development interventions.
By: Abigial Emmanuel Dankande & Queen Ezeike