Stephen Enoch
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for urgent action to fully implement the Free Maternal, Newborn, and Child Healthcare (MNCH) Law in Kano State, highlighting persistent gaps in service delivery across primary healthcare centres (PHCs).
CGRICED disclosed on Tuesday during an advocacy visit to the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA).
Mr. Omoniyi Adeoye, CHRICED’s Senior Program Officer, explained that the organization has, over the years, been actively running a program focused on maternal and child healthcare in the state.
According to him, the collaborative efforts of CHRICED and its partners contributed significantly to the passage of the Free Maternal Health Law in 2023.
“MNCH should be treated as a fundamental human right, not just a privilege. While the law exists, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
“Many PHCs lack the resources to deliver quality care, as evidenced by recent findings from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which revealed alarmingly high maternal mortality rates in Kano,” Adeoye emphasized.
He acknowledged concerns about funding but stressed that with strong political will and proper structures in place, development partners would be willing to support the state.
“What we need now is a costed action plan for the law’s implementation. This will help the government prioritize critical health needs and ensure effective resource allocation,” he added.
Responding, the Director of Administration and General Services at KSCHMA, Mr. Aliyu Zakari, expressed the agency’s commitment to supporting CHRICED’s efforts.
He reaffirmed KSCHMA’s readiness to collaborate in ensuring the full implementation of the Free MNCH Law.
“Currently, we are implementing the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) in the state, which aligns with key provisions of the MNCH law.
“We believe that once the law is fully operational, it will transform healthcare delivery and improve maternal and child health outcomes in Kano,” Zakari said.
He further assured that the discussions held during the visit would be escalated within the agency and that KSCHMA would work closely with CHRICED and other stakeholders to bring the law to actual reality.
“With the right synergy and sustained advocacy, free maternal and child healthcare will become a reality for the people of Kano,” he assured.
