The need for couples to present Health Contributory Scheme enrollment evidence before getting marriage has been advocated.
The Director General, Kaduna state Contributory Health Management Authority KADCHMA, Malam Abubakar Hassan stated this during a media round table on its activities, supported by Save the Children International in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Malam Hassan noted that, medical checkups are not only advised before marriage, but enrolling in a health Scheme would help to avoid unwanted health problems later in marriage.
He emphasized the need for the Kaduna State Government to enact Law that will ensure couples are enrolled in the Health scheme before eligible for marriage.
Malam Hassan regretted that, it was only fifteen percent of informal sector that are aware of the activities of KADCHMA despite series of sensitisation.
He expressed believed that, with the engagement of media, the gap would be breached to achieve the desire objective in the area of sensitisation.
According to him, KADCHMA is adopting measures to ensure private Organasation employees are enrolled into the scheme.
Alhaji Abubakar Hassan however expressed optimism that the agency would succeed in carrying out its activities in partnership with critical stakeholders in sending out the right messages to the target audience on KADCHMA activities.
He added that, the goals of KADCHMA include to achieve Universal Health Coverage, improve the poor health indices in the state and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for health services.
The Director General further revealed that, the objective of the program was to acquaint the participants on the state contributory health scheme and also to improve visibility and awareness of the scheme among residents of Kaduna State.
The representative of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna Chapter, Comrade Nicholas Dekera re-emphasized its commitment to partner with Save The Children Nigeria and the Kaduna state Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) in the area of information dissemination.
Mr Dekera said the union would continue to partner with KADCHMA to ensure reduction in maternal mortality in the state.
According to him, people in the rural areas need to be aware of the services of KADCHMA through the media in order for them to benefit from the scheme.
The Advocacy and Campaign Assistant of Save the Children Nigeria Kaduna, Olukotun Amabel said the target is to protect the rights of the children particularly in the area of health and education.
COV/AMINU DALHATU