The Jigawa State Government has announced a major expansion of its healthcare services to include free treatment for patients with hypertension, diabetes, and sickle cell disease. This decision was confirmed by the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sport, and Culture, Mr. Sagir Musa, in a statement released on Friday in Dutse, the state capital. The initiative is an extension of the existing Free Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Healthcare Program and will cover all government-owned hospitals across the state’s 27 local government areas.
In addition to this expansion, the State Executive Council approved N179.2 million for Direct Facility Financing to accredited Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs). The council also sanctioned the establishment of 17 new PHCs in the state’s 281 political wards for the first half of 2024. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance healthcare infrastructure and accessibility throughout Jigawa State.
Moreover, the council allocated N69.1 million for monthly stipends for 79 Midwives and Community Health Influencers (CHIPs Agents). They also approved the implementation of the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project, which will receive N1.2 billion from the World Bank for revitalizing 161 Primary Healthcare Centres in 2024.