By Usman Usman Garba
The Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, has highlighted the remarkable achievements recorded in the health sector under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing the progress made over the past three years as unprecedented.
Dr. Labaran made the disclosure during an interaction with journalists as part of activities marking Governor Yusuf’s third anniversary in office.
According to the commissioner, one of the administration’s most significant achievements is the introduction of the ABBACare Programme, through which 39,000 people living with sickle cell disease have been enrolled and are receiving free healthcare services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital, and Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital.
He explained that the initiative was designed to improve healthcare access for vulnerable groups and advance the state’s quest for universal health coverage.
The commissioner noted that the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) has witnessed tremendous growth since Governor Yusuf assumed office on May 29, 2023.
He revealed that enrollment under the state’s contributory healthcare scheme increased from 497,262 beneficiaries before the current administration to 910,862 beneficiaries as of February 2025, representing an impressive 83 per cent increase.
According to him, the increase translates to an additional 413,600 residents who now have access to quality healthcare services through the scheme.
Dr. Labaran further disclosed that the agency expanded its vulnerable persons programme by enrolling an additional 231,293 beneficiaries, including children under five years of age, pregnant women, persons living with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS, individuals living with sickle cell disease, and retirees earning below the minimum wage.
In a move aimed at promoting inclusive healthcare, the commissioner said the agency extended health insurance coverage to inmates at Kurmawa, Goron Dutse, and Janguza Custodial Centres, with a total of 2,131 inmates enrolled under the programme.
He described the initiative as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of quality healthcare and universal health coverage.
The commissioner also highlighted the implementation of several strategic programmes, including the Students Contributory Healthcare Programme (SCHEP), the Zakkat and Hubsi Programme, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Programme, the Community-Based Contributory Healthcare Programme, as well as interventions targeting social homes and rehabilitation centres.
He added that the agency has commenced the implementation of the WAQF Programme, an innovative healthcare financing mechanism designed to support vulnerable groups and enhance equitable access to healthcare services across the state.
On infrastructure development, Dr. Labaran stated that the agency successfully completed its inherited headquarters office building and established fully equipped liaison offices in all 44 local government areas of the state to improve service delivery and bring healthcare administration closer to the people.
He attributed the achievements to the unwavering support of Governor Yusuf, whose administration, he said, has prioritized the health sector through strategic investments, policy reforms, and expanded access to quality healthcare services.
Dr. Labaran reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining the gains recorded so far and ensuring that all residents of Kano State have access to affordable, efficient, and quality healthcare services.
He maintained that the achievements recorded over the past three years reflect Governor Yusuf’s determination to transform the health sector and improve the well-being of the people of Kano State.
