KECHEMA LIST ACHIEVEMENTS

PRESS STATEMENT BY ALH. ABUBAKAR BALA GADO KAMBA, CHAIRMAN GOVERNING BOARD OF KEBBI STATE CONTRIBUTORY HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT AGENCY (KECHEMA)

Good morning distinguished members of the press,

It is with deep sense of responsibility that I address you today to present the significant achievements recorded by the Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KECHEMA) in advancing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services across Kebbi State.

Firstly, I wish to convey the profound gratitude of the Governing Board and the entire management of KECHEMA to His Excellency, Dr. Nasir Idris, (Kauran Gwandu) the Executive Governor of Kebbi State. His leadership, commitment, and strategic support have been instrumental in empowering KECHEMA with the adequate resources, institutional autonomy, and operational framework necessary to fulfill its mandate effectively.

Since assuming office as Chairman of the fully constituted Governing Board, I have witnessed tremendous progress in institutional governance. The Board comprises representatives from vital sectors, including key line ministries, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), civil society organizations, and religious groups, fostering transparency, accountability, and strategic oversight.

Regarding healthcare coverage expansion, I am pleased to report substantial growth across our key schemes as follows:

BASIC HEALTHCARE PROVISION FUND (BHCPF): 

Membership increased from 48,436 to 74,900, representing a growth of approximately 54.7%.

FORMAL SECTOR HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN:

 Enrollment expanded from 36,013 to 42,882, a rise of nearly 19%.

INFORMAL SECTOR HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN: 

Membership surged from 13,073 to 26,993, an impressive increase exceeding 106%.

UNICEF-SUPPORTED INTERVENTION: 

Over 10,200 vulnerable individuals in “Zero Dose” local government areas Bagudo, Birnin Kebbi, and Gwandu—have been covered, with additional phases currently underway.

TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SOCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE Programme (TISHIP):

 Successfully launched across six state owned tertiary institutions, providing students with affordable healthcare access.

Under the Scheme, skilled birth attendance through facility based deliveries increased significantly, rising from 8% to 32%, indicating substantial improvement in maternal healthcare access and utilization.

To reinforce governance and operational efficiency, the Governing Board undertook a strategic orientation workshop in May 2024 in Sokoto State, delineating roles and responsibilities to enhance internal coordination.

In addition, KECHEMA convened a comprehensive stakeholder retreat, engaging legislators, local government chairmen, and senior officials to assess the implementation status of the Kebbi State Contributory Health Scheme (KECHES), fostering multi-sectoral collaboration and addressing operational challenges.

OUR DEDICATION TO CAPACITY BUILDING AND PROFESSIONALISM HAS EARNED RECOGNITION AT MULTIPLE LEVELS:

Industrial Training Fund (ITF) AWARD (2023):

 Honored for outstanding commitment to capacity building, discipline, and professionalism, ranking among the top organizations across Sokoto and Kebbi States.

National Leadership Award (2025): Bestowed by the Institute of Health Insurance and Managed Care of Nigeria, recognizing KECHEMA as the Best Government Health Insurance and Managed Care Agency in Project Management.

Further, with the support of USAID-State2State, we have conducted capacity-building workshops and coordination meetings to engage stakeholders, address grievances, and enhance scheme implementation.

Beyond enrollment and policy implementation, KECHEMA continues to support health facilities statewide by supplying free essential drugs, hospital equipment, and medical consumables, thereby strengthening the quality of healthcare delivery. The Agency also extends special medical assistance to patients with conditions not covered under the standard benefit package and to indigent individuals yet to be enrolled, reaffirming our commitment to social inclusion.

Lastly, the Governing Board and Management recently paid homage to the four Emirate Councils during the Sallah festivities, seeking their continued partnership in promoting healthcare improvements throughout Kebbi State.

In conclusion, these accomplishments demonstrate our shared resolve to improve the health and well-being of Kebbi’s citizens. We remain committed to working collaboratively with government, partners, and communities to build a healthier and more prosperous Kebbi State.

Thank you for your attention.