Aminu Ahmad Turaki
The Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) has observed with dismay certain false information circulating on social media on the operational scheme of the Agency as released by the Spokesperson of the Agency Aminu Ahmad Turaki and made available to thetentaclesnews.com.ng
In consideration to the individual’s rights and the freedom of expression it is important to clarify that this healthcare contributory system operates under Law No. 3 of 2016. The scheme is guided by the principle of “Atta’awun” in Islam – where the strong supports the weak so that all can thrive and succeed together.
Every worker in Kano State, be it civil servants or political office holders (both elected and appointed), has a contribution deducted from their salary based on their grade level on a monthly basis.
Under this scheme, each enrolled employee has the right to register themselves, one legally wedded wife, and up to four children – making a total of six beneficiaries.KSCHMA remits ₦400 monthly per head (i.e., ₦2,400 for six beneficiaries) to the chosen healthcare facility where the worker and their family are registered.
Importantly, regardless of whether a worker contributes ₦4,000 or ₦1,400 monthly, both categories enjoy equal coverage for themselves, one wife, and four children under 18 years. In fact, the value of the care received often far outweighs the amount contributed – for example, someone contributing ₦1,400 still receives healthcare worth far more than their input.
The funds are used by registered Health facilities to provide primary healthcare services for workers and their families. Beneficiaries visit their registered health facility whenever they need care, and they are only required to pay 10% of the cost of prescribed drugs. example, if prescribed medicine costs ₦10,000, the patient pays only ₦1,000.In cases of more serious conditions requiring secondary healthcare services, the facility immediately notifies KSCHMA, which then authorizes treatment at the secondary level.
Once completed, KSCHMA pays the entire bill directly to the facility, without the patient paying anything extra.All accredited facilities under KSCHMA receive their allocations monthly without interruption. They are expected to spend 70% of the funds on drugs and 30% on other hospital services and operations. If at any time a registered member visits a facility and drugs are unavailable, contact numbers for KSCHMA are displayed in the hospitals.
Patients can call to lodge complaints, and the Agency will ensure their rights are protected, including access to prescribed medication. Members may also visit KSCHMA offices in person to submit complaints.It is important to emphasize that workers’ contributions are received monthly and disbursed directly to hospitals.
The Agency does not hold these funds. KSCHMA also works hand in hand with all stakeholders, including the Kano State Labour Union, to ensure that every registered member receives quality healthcare.
The Agency can be contacted at 27a Sokoto Road, KanoAnd through these Cell Phone numbers: 09099990696 / 07044444926 / 08100637313Website: kschma.orgFor self-services, visit: mykschma.org
