The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (KSCHMA), Dr. Rahila Aliyu Mukhtar, has called for stronger collaboration with women leaders in labour unions to deepen awareness and utilization of the state’s health insurance scheme.
Dr. Mukhtar made the call while taking centre stage at a Strategic Planning Workshop for Women Committee leaders of affiliate labour unions in Kano. Despite arriving midway into the programme, the KSCHMA boss delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Kano State Contributory Health Scheme, outlining its functions, objectives, scope of coverage, and operational framework.
The session generated lively discussions as participants expressed both excitement and concerns, particularly when Dr. Mukhtar explained the obligations of healthcare service providers as well as the rights and privileges of enrollees under the scheme. In response, she committed to organizing a dedicated sensitization workshop for the over 100 women leaders in attendance to further clarify the “rudiments and nitty-gritty” of the scheme and chart a clear way forward.
According to her, the proposed engagement would empower women labour leaders with accurate information needed to serve as advocates for improved health coverage and accountability within their respective unions and communities.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Women Committee, Comrade Rabi Muhammad, described the workshop as the first of its kind, noting that it would strengthen networking among women labour activists and enhance their collective voice on welfare and social protection issues.
The Kano State Head of Civil Service, Abdullahi Musa, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Alhaji Salisu Mustapha, emphasized the critical role of labour unions in boosting productivity and supporting policies that promote workers’ wellbeing.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kano State Council, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, reaffirmed labour’s commitment to ensuring a healthy and productive workforce across the state.
The workshop climaxed with the National Deputy President of the NLC and President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, presenting certificates to participants, marking a renewed resolve to advance workers’ health rights through advocacy and strategic engagement.