CHRICED Seeks KSCHMA’s Support for Implementation of Free Maternal Healthcare Law
By Hannatu Sulaiman Abba
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for a partnership with the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) to ensure the swift and full implementation of the Free Maternal, Newborn, and Child Healthcare (MNCH) Law in the state.
This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by a CHRICED delegation led by Senior Program Officer Mr. Omoniyi Adeoye, who emphasized the urgent need to address Kano’s alarming maternal mortality statistics.
Mr. Adeoye noted that for over a decade, CHRICED has implemented programs focused on improving maternal healthcare in Kano, engaging stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions. Despite these efforts, Kano remains among the states with the highest maternal mortality rates in Nigeria.
In 2023, CHRICED and its partners played a pivotal role in the passage of the Free Maternal Health Law. However, more work is needed to ensure its effective implementation.
Adeoye commended the Kano State Government for prioritizing healthcare services and stated that CHRICED’s visit to KSCHIMA reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for a concrete action plan to operationalize the law.
“This will enable the government to prioritize critical health needs and ensure efficient resource allocation,” he added.
In his response, KSCHIMA’s Director of Administration and General Services, Malam Aliyu Zakari, described CHRICED’s visit as an opportunity to strengthen the state government’s efforts.
He affirmed that KSCHIMA, as an agency under the Ministry of Health, already implements programs supporting MNCH, particularly for vulnerable groups and children under five.
Zakari pledged KSCHIMA’s commitment to collaborating for the full implementation of the Free MNCH Law, noting that the ongoing Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) aligns with the law’s key provisions.
“We are confident that once fully operational, this law will revolutionize healthcare delivery and significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes in Kano,” Zakari said.
