34,000 vulnerable persons to enjoy free healthcare in Zamfara

By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau

No fewer than 34,000 vulnerable persons in Zamfara State will benefit as a new medicare system is set up in the state.

The state’s Governor, Hon. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, launched the programme titled: “Care for 34,000 Vulnerable Persons” under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund at General Hospital Gusau.

He said the event marked a significant milestone in an effort to provide healthcare services to the people of the state.

Governor Matawalle, further, said the programme would provide 34,000 vulnerable persons access to free healthcare services, even as he informed that his government had so far received the sum of N408 million from the National Health Insurance Scheme through the Contributory Health Care Management Agency for the implementation of the agreed Basic Minimum Package of Health Services.

The Director General, Media Public Enlightenment and Communications, Yusuf Idris Gusau, in a statement sent to The DEFENDER, have details of the development.

“His Excellency, the Zamfara State Executive Governor Hon. Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle MON (Shattiman Sakkwato) today launched free healthcare services for vulnerable and less Previleged in the state targeting a total beneficiaries of 34,000 people drawn from the 14 local government areas of the state

“Governor Bello Matawalle is the first governor in the country to launch this laudable programme of free healthcare services that will be extended to 34,000 vulnerable persons drawn from the 147 wards of the state for the next three years.

“The governor gave the good tidings today in Gusau, the state capital at the launch of the ‘Care for 34,000 Vulnerable Persons Programme’ to be coordinated through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund in the state.

“According to him, a total of 231 beneficiaries will be selected from each of the 147 wards comprising 92 pregnant women, 116 under 5 children as well as 23 elderly and physically challenged persons will be enrolled into the scheme by a Committee that will soon be set up.

“The Barden Hausa happily noted that with the construction of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) spread across the 147 wards which will soon come into operations, beneficiaries of the scheme will not have to travel far to access services aimed at addressing and reducing maternal mortality and other health challenges especially at the rural area levels.

“He disclosed that already, his administration has paid up its mandatory N100 million counterpart to access the fund for the effective, smooth and immediate take off of the scheme.

“He commended the state legislators, labour unions, CSOs, traditional and religious leaders for their support in the attainment of the laudable feat in the state.

“The launching ceremony was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, Head of Service, Alhaji Kabiru Mohammed Gayari, Chief of Staff Government House, Mallam Ibrahim Sulaiman Gusau, Senator Lawal Hassan Dan-Iya, Emir of Gusau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, Members of the state Executives Council, Honourable Special Advisers and APC Supporters among others,” the statement said.