From Olanrewaju Lawal (Birnin)
The Kebbi State Government in collaboration with Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, has kicked off a three-day free medical outreach for different ailments in the state with 22 doctors and nurses.
The exercise, which is facilitated by Nasare Nasir Idris Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) led by the wife of the governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, is targeting no fewer than 2,000 vulnerable patients across the state.
While flagging-off the programme at Kebbi Medical Centre, Kalgo, Governor Nasir Idris, said the exercise was designed to assist people suffering from different diseases and could not afford medication.
Idris, who was represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, appreciated the medical doctors, nurses and other experts in medical fields who sacrificed their time and left their comfort zone to assist Kebbi people.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to provide quality and affordable healthcare through carefully tailored programmes including state-of-the-art medical equipment, recruitment of medical doctors, nurses and other medical personnel as well as expansion of hospitals, clinics and dispensaries.
“As a matter of deliberate policy, government is focussing on maternal and child healthcare as well as care for the elderly and vulnerable persons in the population.
“Government is determined to reverse the ugly indices prevalent in the state on maternal child mortality and morbidity, prevalent child killer diseases and other negative issues of malnutrition,” the governor said.
Idris said a blueprint on integrated healthcare was being finalized to provide a roadmap on healthcare delivery.
He described the singular effort of his wife, Hajiya Nasare Nasir Idris, as worthy of commendation.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Isma’il, appreciated both the governor’s wife and Nizamiye Hospital for actualizing the programme towards bringing succour to vulnerable patients in Kebbi.
Leader of the healthcare team, Prof. Ibrahim Yanmis said Nizamiye Hospital was known for offering excellent services to its clients and promised to use their expertise and machinery to provide quality service to Kebbi people.
In a goodwill message, the Chief Medical Director of Kebbi Medical Centre, Kalgo, Dr Nura Kangiwa, said the centre was delighted to receive professional colleagues from various fields to share knowledge and treat people with different ailments.