The Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) says it has enrolled vulnerable groups, including hypertensive and HIV patients and inmates in correctional centres, into the state’s healthcare insurance scheme.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Rahila Aliyu-Mukhtar, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kano.

Ms Aliyu-Mukhtar said the agency had enrolled more than 6,000 vulnerable hypertensive patients across the state to help them access medications and investigations they ordinarily could not afford.

According to her, the intervention has contributed to reducing complications arising from hypertension in the state.

“We received a nationally generated report indicating that Kano State has reduced complications arising from hypertension.

“This can be attributed to the hypertensive patients we enrolled under the scheme,” she said.

The executive secretary added that more than 6,000 people living with HIV have also been enrolled in the programme.

She explained that although antiretroviral drugs were provided through donor support, beneficiaries still require healthcare support for other illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, diabetes, and hypertension.

Ms Aliyu-Mukhtar further disclosed that the agency had concluded plans to enrol 6,000 tuberculosis patients under its vulnerable group programme.

“We realised that TB patients also need support beyond their TB medications because secondary health conditions may arise,” she said.

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She also said the agency had enrolled all inmates in correctional centres across the state, describing it as the first initiative of its kind in the country.

Ms Aliyu-Mukhtar noted that the initiative earned the Kano State government commendation from the Controller-General of Corrections.

According to her, other states have contacted the agency to understudy the implementation model adopted by Kano State.

She said the agency remained committed to reducing out-of-pocket healthcare spending and improving access to healthcare services for vulnerable residents.

(NAN)

Nigerian youngsters Abiodun Toheeb and Olude Muyideen have emerged as champions of the Azerbaijan U19 League after helping Qarabag FK secure the league title with outstanding performances throughout the season.

Both players played crucial roles in Qarabag’s successful campaign, delivering impressive goal contributions that highlighted their attacking quality and consistency.

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Toheeb enjoyed a phenomenal season, recording an incredible 29 goals and 8 assists in just 20 matches, making him one of the standout performers in the league.

Muyideen also produced remarkable numbers, contributing 16 goals and 12 assists in 20 appearances to further strengthen Qarabag’s attacking force on their way to the championship triumph.

The impressive performances of the Nigerian duo have continued to attract attention, with many football observers praising their development and impact in youth football abroad.

Their success further reflects the growing reputation of Nigerian talents making waves across European and international football academies, while also providing optimism for the future of Nigerian football.

Winning the Azerbaijan U19 League marks another important milestone in the careers of both players as they continue their progression in professional football.