The Chigari Foundation, in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has launched a medical outreach program aimed at providing essential healthcare to over 1,000 victims of the recent flood disaster across Bauchi State.
This initiative is privately funded by Dr. Muhammad Ali-Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, as part of his humanitarian efforts. The outreach targets victims displaced by the floods and currently residing in various camps throughout the state.
On Sunday, Dr. Ali-Pate visited Misau and Katagum Local Government Areas (LGAs) to oversee the outreach, emphasizing its availability to all flood victims across the state. During a visit to the temporary Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Azare, Katagum LGA, the Minister commended the professionalism of the medical teams attending to the displaced individuals.
“The people are receiving treatment for basic illnesses such as malaria, pneumonia, and hypertension. In these challenging times, it is crucial that we provide as much relief as possible,” Dr. Ali-Pate stated. He praised the collective efforts of medical professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and lab scientists, who have been instrumental in supporting the community during this crisis.
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Dr. Ali-Pate highlighted that more than 1,200 people had been examined, diagnosed, and treated for free during the outreach. “It’s about ensuring access to medical care in emergency situations. Our goal is to support our communities through these difficult times,” he added.
The Chigari Foundation plans to extend its support to all nine flood-affected LGAs in Bauchi State, with a target to provide direct assistance to 250 individuals in each area. Dr. Ali-Pate urged all Nigerians to contribute to these humanitarian efforts to help communities affected by the floods.
Dr. Yusuf Bappa, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Bauchi State, explained that the outreach was aimed at helping those affected by the recent flood disaster. He reported that over 1,000 individuals, including children, women, and men, have been treated at the temporary IDP camp, with those requiring further treatment referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Azare.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Awawu Umaru, a 70-year-old resident, expressed gratitude for the temporary IDP camp provided by the state government and extended thanks to Dr. Ali-Pate and the NMA for the free medical treatment.