From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Jigawa state governor, Malam Umar Namadi has urged the traditional leaders to support the selection of fresh 287,000 free healthcare beneficiaries across the state under Jigawa state Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (JiCHMA).
Governor Namadi who was represented by his Technical Advisor on health, Alhaji Isah Surajo made the call when the team from Jigawa State Contributory Management Agency (JiCHMA) paid a visit to Ringim emirate on Tuesday.
He explained that, the present administration is committed towards improving the health of it’s citizens through various projects and programs across the 27 local government areas in the state.
According to him, the present administration recruited over 1,000 permanent health workers with additional of 200 Medical and Pharmacists Doctors as well as improvement of 119 out of 287 ward health facilities with solar lights, solar powered water, Midwife houses and other equipments, while many Primary Health care centers upgraded to General and specialist Hospitals in the state.
He maintained that, the government also launched Initiative that, provide free medical treatment for the Sickle-cell, Diabetes and High blood patients.
While making his remarks during the visit, the executive secretary Jigawa State Contributory Health care Management Agency (JiCHMA) Pharmacist Hamza Kakudi explained the selection process, members involved in the committee and the role expected from the traditional leaders to ensure the right beneficiaries are selected.
He said, the executive Governor approved the additional number of beneficiaries from 500 to 1,000 from each of 287 political ward with additional of another 500 approved by each local government council making a total of 1,500 beneficiaries from each political ward in the state.
According to him, a selection committee was formed from each Ward under the Chairmanship of executive councilor with members that comprised traditional district head, Ward Development Committee (WDC), health focal person, women leader, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and religious leader of each Ward.
Pharmacist Kakudi added that, the criteria to select the beneficiaries includes a less privilege person, children under five years, Sickle-cell patients, Orphans, Person’s With Disabilities (PWDs), elderly people from 65 years to above and HIV patients.
He then assured more support and commitments from the government and urged the traditional leaders and entire Community to monitor the selection process to ensure the right beneficiaries are selected.
While responding, His royal highness the emir of Ringim Dr. Sayyadi Mahmoud who was represented by the Senior council member of the emirate and Madakin Ringim Alhaji Bashari Shu’aibu, appreciated the visit and commended Governor Malam Umar Namadi for this effort.
The emir who appealled for more efficiency in the program, promised to do all their best an ensure the right beneficiaries are selected.
