Over 40% of Vulnerable Individuals Access Jigawa Free Medical Care – JICHMA
From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
No fewer than 40 percent of the 143,500 registered vulnerable individuals have so far accessed the Jigawa Free Medical Care program, initiated by the current administration in the state.
This was revealed by the Director of Programs at the Jigawa State Contributory Health Management Agency (JICHMA), Dr. Bashir Ahmad, during his speech at the state’s commemoration of Universal Health Coverage (celebrated every year on December 12).
The event was organized by the Jigawa State Ministry of Health through JICHMA, with support from the UKAid-funded LAFIYA project, and held at Ahmadu Bello Hall, New Secretariat, Dutse.
Dr. Ahmad explained that the J-Basic Healthcare Program, popularly known as Danmodi Care, was launched with an initial investment exceeding one billion naira. The program began by enrolling 500 vulnerable individuals from each of the 287 political wards in the state.
“The present administration’s commitment to providing free medical care for underprivileged individuals through the J-Basic Healthcare Program (Danmodi Care) has recorded a remarkable milestone. Since its launch, over 40 percent of the registered beneficiaries have accessed the services free of charge,” he stated.
Dr. Ahmad acknowledged that although the current number of beneficiaries is modest compared to the state’s total population, Governor Malam Umar Namadi has expressed his intention to expand the program annually to ensure all vulnerable individuals in the state are covered.
He further noted that the state government, through the Ministry of Health, has undertaken several initiatives to improve the healthcare sector. These include the recruitment of healthcare personnel, construction and upgrading of hospitals, and equipping medical facilities, among other projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
Dr. Ahmad commended the UKAid-funded LAFIYA project and other partners for their contributions to the state’s health sector. He also urged residents to support and cooperate with the Danmodi Care program to achieve the goal of providing free healthcare for all vulnerable individuals in Jigawa State.
