Zamfara State Launches Free Medical Outreach Targeting Critical Healthcare Needs
The Zamfara State government has launched a special modified medical outreach program aimed at addressing critical healthcare needs and improving the quality of life for the people. In collaboration with the office of the First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, the first phase of the project will provide free medical services to individuals with cases of cataract extraction, groin swellings (hernia, hydroceles), Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) repairs, and health education.
According to a press statement released by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the medical outreach program started last Friday and has already treated 81 cases of eye cataracts and 49 cases of groin swellings. The program aims to provide monthly treatment for 1,000 patients with groin swellings, 200 Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) repairs, and 1,000 patients with eye cataracts.
The Zamfara State government established a committee of experts to assess various service centers in the state and identify the most common surgical problems prevalent in the general population. Based on the committee’s findings, cataract extraction, groin swellings, Vesico-Vaginal Fistula repairs, and health education were identified as the initial areas of intervention for the first year of the program.
This initiative marks a significant milestone for Zamfara State as it is the first time the government has engaged in a free medical outreach program that covers such critical areas. To ensure access to specialist care for individuals in rural and semi-urban areas, the outreach program utilizes tele-screening, allowing patients to be remotely screened and receive treatment at designated treatment centers in Gusau. The committee also visited the Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (DMCMA) in Gusau and expressed confidence in its ability to provide the necessary supplies for the outreach program.
Governor Dauda Lawal, in his commitment to reviving the health sector, expanded the scope of the program to cover all 14 Local Government Areas of the state. The General Hospital Gusau, King Fahad General Hospital, and Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital have been designated as the centers for the outreach program. Any special cases will be referred to the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau.
The launch of this medical outreach program in Zamfara State underscores the government’s dedication to improving healthcare services and addressing the critical healthcare needs of the people. By providing free medical services, the government aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from eye cataracts, groin swellings, and Vesico-Vaginal Fistula. The program’s utilization of tele-screening ensures that even those in remote areas can access specialized care. With the commitment of Governor Dauda Lawal and the collaboration between government agencies, this initiative is set to make a positive impact on the lives of many in Zamfara State.
