The Kebbi State Government in collaboration with Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, on Saturday, commenced a three-day free medical outreach for different ailments in Birnin Kebbi.
Thel exercise which is facilitated by an NGO, Nasare Nasir Idris Foundation, under the care of the wife of the Governor, Hajiya Nasare Nasir Idris is targeting no fewer than 2,000 vulnerable patients across the state.
Flagging-off the programme at Kebbi Medical Centre, Kalgo, Gov. Nasir Idris said the exercise was designed to assist people suffering from different diseases but could not afford medication.
The governor, who was represented by the Head of Service (HoS), Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, appreciated the 22 team of medical Doctors, Nurses and experts in medical fields who sacrificed their time and left their comfort zone just to assist Kebbi people.
He re-afirmed the commitment of his administration to provide quality and affordable healthcare through careful 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.
Idris said: "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 a blueprint on integrated healthcare was being finalised to provide a roadmap on healthcare delivery.
He described the singular efforts of his wife, Hajiya Nasare Nasir Idris as worthy of commendation, saying: "It goes on to herald the begining of effective healthcare delivery in the state.
"I am sure that outreaches like this will reduce medical tourism and give indigent patients the opportunity to access medical care which they ordinarlly cannot afford.
"This collaboration, I made to understand targets women, children, the elderly and those suffering from life threatening diseases."
Earlier in a welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Isma'il appreciated both the governor's wife and Nizamiye Hospital for actualising the programme towards bringing succour to vulnerable patients in Kebbi.
The leader of team of doctors, nurses and medical experts, Prof. Ibrahim Yanmis said Nizamiye Hospital was known for offering excellent services to its clients and promised to use their expertise and machineries to provide quality service to Kebbi people.
While thanking the state government for finding the hospital worthy of collaboration, Yanmis assured that by the grace of Almighty Allah the desired goals would be achieved.
In a goodwill message, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) 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.
Kangiwa assured the visiting medical professionals of readiness of all staff to give them maximum hospitality throughout the exercise towards a successful outreach.
DAGA ISYAKU.COM