By Muhammad Yusuf Musa
In the vast expanse of Kano State in northern Nigeria, the journey to access quality healthcare has long been arduous, especially for expectant mothers and their children. Despite concerted efforts by governmental bodies and non-governmental organizations, the specter of inadequate healthcare looms large, manifesting in some of the world’s highest maternal and child mortality rates.
According to the United Nations, Kano State reports a staggering maternal mortality rate of 1,024 deaths per 100,000 live births and a child mortality rate of 165 deaths per 1,000 live births, figures far surpassing national averages and indicating a profound systemic healthcare challenge.
Multiple factors contribute to the grim statistics of maternal and child mortality in Kano State. Chief among them is the stark lack of accessible and affordable healthcare services, particularly in rural areas where many reside.
Even for those in proximity to healthcare facilities, financial constraints often act as insurmountable barriers. Coupled with substandard care and a dearth of qualified medical professionals, the result is a tragic tally of preventable deaths among mothers and children.
Against this backdrop, Kano, one of Nigeria’s most populous states, has undertaken a monumental stride in advancing maternal health through the implementation of a Free Maternal Healthcare Law. This landmark legislation aims to dismantle the impediments to healthcare access for pregnant women, thereby fostering improved maternal and child health outcomes across the state.
Understanding the Free Maternal Healthcare Law
The Free Maternal Healthcare Law in Kano represents a significant stride towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which champions healthy lives and well-being for all. Enacted to obliterate the financial obstacles hindering women from accessing essential maternal health services, this legislation stands as a testament to Kano’s steadfast dedication to prioritizing the welfare of its populace.
Key Features of the Law
Cost-Free Maternal Services: Pregnant women are granted access to an array of maternal healthcare services without bearing any financial burden. These encompass pre and postnatal care, assisted vaginal delivery, cesarean section, ectopic pregnancy management, termination of pregnancy, ambulance services, childcare services, and the establishment of a consultative council.
Implementation Agencies: Several agencies, including an initiative of FGN that is backed by the National Health Act 2014. Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), KHETFUND (Kano State Health Trust Fund), and KACHMA (Kano State Contributory Healthcare Scheme) will collaborate to execute the law’s provisions and ensure its effective implementation.
The BHCPF, initiated in 2014 under the National Health Act, is funded through a 1% FGN Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) and complemented by State financing through a 1% CRF.
It channels resources towards bolstering primary healthcare initiatives, encompassing healthcare worker training, and essential medicine provision including vaccines, contributing to improved health outcomes, and healthcare facility renovation and construction.
Notably, BHCPF funding has catalyzed a 20% increase in patient attendance and a 15% decline in mortality rates at beneficiary healthcare facilities. It also provides training and support to healthcare workers.
KHETFUND, established in 2017, harnesses funding primarily from the Kano State Government to enhance healthcare financing and service delivery. By financing the construction of new primary healthcare facilities and equipping existing ones, KHETFUND spearheads efforts to fortify the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
KACHMA, founded in 2018, oversees Kano State’s health insurance scheme, which has substantially expanded healthcare coverage, benefitting over one million individuals as of 2019. It aims to improve access to healthcare by eliminating financial barriers, particularly for maternal and child healthcare services.
Impact and Benefits
Enhanced Utilization of Maternal Health Services: The Free Maternal Healthcare Law is poised to drive a significant upsurge in the utilization of maternal health services, empowering pregnant women to seek professional care without succumbing to financial constraints.
Reduction in Maternal Mortality: Early indications suggest a promising trajectory towards reducing maternal mortality rates, buoyed by timely interventions and skilled care facilitated by the law.
Empowerment of Women and Families: By safeguarding expectant mothers from financial hardships, the initiative empowers women and their families, ensuring that health considerations take precedence over economic concerns.
Conclusion
Kano’s Free Maternal Healthcare Law, championed by the Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and enacted on May 10th, 2023, epitomizes a commendable stride towards universal healthcare and enhanced maternal health outcomes. By dismantling financial barriers and fostering awareness, the Kano government sets a precedent for other regions to emulate.
As the initiative unfolds, sustained evaluation and community engagement will be pivotal in refining and amplifying its impact. Ultimately, the Free Maternal Healthcare Law stands as a beacon of hope, heralding a healthier, more prosperous future for mothers and children across Kano State.
For those interested in supporting primary healthcare in Kano State, opportunities abound, from volunteering at local primary healthcare facilities to donating supplies or offering time and expertise. Every contribution, no matter how modest, holds the potential to effect transformative change, fostering a more equitable and resilient healthcare ecosystem.
To learn more about the law or extend support, reach out to CHRICED at info@chriced.org.ng or call +2348065858128 to voice your solidarity.
