Jigawa State Expands Free Healthcare to 235,287 Vulnerable Residents
By Abdulhamid Sani
Dutse, Jigawa State – January 5, 2025 – The Jigawa State Ministry for Local Government and Community Development has significantly expanded its free healthcare program, now reaching 235,287 vulnerable residents across all 287 wards in the state. This initiative aligns with Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly focusing on securing quality medications.
During a symbolic distribution event, Hon. Ahmed Garba MK, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, emphasized the program’s aim to complement the state government’s efforts by assisting residents not covered by the Health Social Insurance Scheme.
Represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Commissioner highlighted a collaborative effort with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). Over the past four quarters of 2024, approximately N135 million has been allocated quarterly for essential medicines. This program has been enhanced with the addition of N80 million for bedding equipment, bringing the total investment to N215 million.
Comrade Isah Suraja, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Healthcare Services, reiterated the administration’s dedication to improving health infrastructure and services. The program initially covered 143,287 beneficiaries (500 per ward), but Governor Namadi approved an increase to 320 beneficiaries per ward, expanding access to vulnerable populations.
To support this initiative, the government has recruited over 1,000 health workers, assigning at least 30 to each local government area. Additionally, the construction and equipping of staff quarters at primary healthcare centers are underway to improve working conditions for medical personnel.
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