Nigerian government is working really hard to provide affordable and free health services to its citizens. Reports have confirmed that many states in Nigeria have offered free medical services to the poor. In line with this great act, recently, the Kogi Government on Friday flagged-off a special healthcare package to the people. Also, health commissioner Saka Audu confirmed that the package will offer free medical treatment and surgical operations to over 50,000 Nigerians who cannot afford the treatment.
In addition, reports confirmed that the medical service package is funded by Kogi Government in collaboration with the World Christian Medical Mission (WCMM), who provided the medical officers. The Kogi state government made provisions for financial and material needs as the medical officers provided by WCMM are also financially assisted by the government.
Health commissioner of Kogi state, Audu, in a brief speech to flag off the exercise in Lokoja, said that the recent economic downturn had made it difficult for poor people to access quality health care services which prompted the government to act fast so as to save the lives of the poor.
He further explained that the free treatments would be held simultaneously in Lokoja, Kabba, Okene, Idah and Ankpa towns to ease access across the three senatorial districts. This is because the government had planned to make sure that every district benefits from the free medical service.
In reaction to the ongoing medical services rendered, the commissioner expressed satisfaction with the performance of the medics, and expressed optimism that the intervention programme would meet its target. He also further appreciated the people of Kogi state for their cooperation and orderliness which has made the programme a success so far.
Further more, Dr. Babe Abraham, the Secretary of WCMM, commended the state government for the initiative and assured Kogi state residents of his team’s commitment to quality service. He also said that the initiative is life changing which will no doubt put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.
Abraham, however, urged the state government to strategise on mobilising more people to take advantage of the outreach, saying that there were more medical officers than the patients at the outreach centres. He said that more can be done on social media platforms urging people to take advantage of the free medical services.
In response to this great initiative, Mr Lawal Shiru, Chairman, Lokoja Local Government, appreciated the government for the kind gesture and commended the medical team’s commitment to quality service delivery. He further confirmed that Nigerians are happy as it has taken away part of their financial burden.
Reports also confirmed that among services being delivered are major and minor surgical operations, medical investigations and treatments, eye care (surgeries and distribution of free glasses), paediatric and gynaecological care, among others.
Many Nigerians have benefitted from this package and hope that the government will continue to initiate programmes that will lift the poor from financial burden, although more awareness is being created for more patients to benefit from the free medical care service.
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