Jigawa Govt’ Launches Free Healthcare Services for 143,500 Vulnerables

By Editor

In a significant move to address health disparities and achieve Universal Health Coverage, the Jigawa state government has allocated N1.5 billion to provide free basic healthcare services to 143,500 vulnerable individuals across the state’s 27 local government areas.

The Jigawa Health Equity Fund (JHEF) programme, launched under the leadership of Governor Umar Namadi, aims to ensure equal access to healthcare for all residents, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. 

The programme’s beneficiaries include low-income households, pregnant women, seniors aged 65 and above, people with disabilities, and those living with sickle cell and HIV.

Comrade Isah Surajo, Technical Adviser to the Governor on health matters, emphasized that the programme is designed to address the health disparities that underlie Nigeria’s health system. 

“It is meant for the attainment of the highest level of health for all residents of Jigawa state, where every resident has a fair and just opportunity to attain optimal health regardless of ethnicity, disabilities, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography or other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes,” Surajo explained.

Dr. Abdullahi Kainuwa, Commissioner for Health, praised the Governor’s administration for redesigning the state’s healthcare delivery system through massive constructions and renovations of health facilities. 

“Under the JHEF project, the state government has set aside N500 million for free health services. 

This is another project that would take care of and settle any medical case of registered vulnerable persons,” the commissioner said.

The JHEF programme provides a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services, and in cases where registered individuals require emergency secondary or tertiary care, the government will cover the costs. 

This initiative is a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in Jigawa state.