The Federal Ministry of Health, led by Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, says it has successfully enrolled over 2.8 million individuals into the Health Insurance Registry within one year.
Dr. Adamu Abubakar, the minister’s technical assistant, made this known during a recent free medical outreach event in Bauchi.
The outreach, supported by Prof. Pate’s foundation, Chigari, in partnership with the Nigerian Medical Association and other professional groups, marked the 11th medical intervention undertaken by the minister in Bauchi State.
Dr. Abubakar revealed that during the previous outreach, approximately 20,000 residents benefited from various medical services, including surgeries.
Addressing the pressing healthcare challenges facing the nation, Dr Abubakar noted, “People are facing catastrophic expenditure, often choosing between food and medical care.”
“This dire situation underscores the necessity of the minister’s policies aimed at alleviating financial burdens on patients.
“This outreach represents our ongoing commitment to support the people of Bauchi State, with a focus on delivering critical medical services.”
He noted that the latest initiative aims to assist between 2,500 to 3,000 patients, providing both general treatment and surgical care for various ailments.
The outreach features a wide range of services, including minor and major surgical interventions, with a notable focus on cataract extractions and the provision of reading glasses to patients in need.
Already underway at the teaching hospital, surgeries are being conducted efficiently, showcasing the collaborative efforts of medical professionals dedicated to improving healthcare access.
Dr. Abubakar expressed gratitude to the Chief Medical Director of the teaching hospital for their partnership and support, highlighting the essential role of collective action in addressing healthcare needs.
He called upon other well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropists to join this vital cause, emphasizing that “together, we can provide relief to those who are struggling to balance food and healthcare.”
Experts say as Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery, initiatives like this outreach represent a critical step toward building a healthier, more equitable society.
Meanwhile, UNICEF has raised an alarm over critical gaps in childhood immunization in Nigeria, revealing that approximately 2.3 million children, including 22,000 in Bauchi State alone, have missed vital “zero-dose” vaccines.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Bauchi State Ministry of Health, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, stressed that ongoing outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus serve as a stark reminder that the mission to eradicate all forms of polio is far from over.
She noted that local and international commitment is essential to protect Nigeria’s children from the irreversible consequences of the disease.
