In what has been described as a significant initiative to improve access to healthcare, particularly in underprivileged communities, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), in partnership with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Bauchi State chapter, carried out a medical outreach benefiting over 2,700 indigent residents across Bauchi State and parts of Jigawa.
During the outreach on Wednesday, Dr. Kabiru Mohammed, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Vice Chairman of the NMA, Bauchi, stated that the initiative was spearheaded by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate.
Mohammed, who also served as the Zonal Coordinator for the programme, revealed that the outreach covered the Itas/Gadau, Jama’are, and Dass Local Government Areas in Bauchi, and extended to the Gawram area of Jigawa State. He emphasized that the objective was to reduce the healthcare burden on rural dwellers amid the current economic challenges.
“This exercise is targeting about 1,000 patients, including 50 general surgeries, all at no cost, across eleven local governments in Bauchi and Katagum zones, and parts of Gawram Local Government Area, Jigawa State.
“At Itas/Gadau, 886 patients were seen, and 17 surgical operations were carried out.
“Also in Jama’are, 1,090 patients benefited from consultations, while 28 surgeries were conducted,” he said.
Mohammed noted that an additional 773 patients received free medical attention at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Liman Katagum, Dass LGA. Services provided included general consultations, diagnostics, prescriptions, and surgical procedures.
He stressed that the medical mission was essential due to the economic difficulties preventing many rural residents from accessing basic healthcare.
“We deployed over 20 outpatient doctors and 10 surgeons, along with a strong support team drawn from pharmacy, nursing, laboratory services, and medical records,” he added.
According to information obtained from officials close to the programme, the outreach aligns with a broader national effort to enhance primary healthcare services and achieve universal health coverage in Nigeria.
The initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to using community-based approaches and collaborative partnerships to reach Nigeria’s most at-risk populations.
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