The Bauchi State Government has announced that it will continue to provide free healthcare to pregnant women and children under the age of 5. This includes free antenatal care, free drugs, and safe delivery kits. The goal is to reduce sickness and death among mothers and babies in Bauchi.
The Commissioner of Information, Usman Shehu Usman, said this when he led journalists to visit health projects across Bauchi. He explained that the Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, is very serious about providing quality healthcare for families.
Bauchi Healthcare Centres Provide Free Services
The team visited the Primary Healthcare Centre in Konkyel, Darazo Local Government Area, and the Model Primary Healthcare Centre in Dagauda, Dambam Local Government Area. At these centres, staff said pregnant women and children are already receiving free drugs, vaccines, and care.
The commissioner said the people should feel free to go to any health facility in the state. He explained that drugs, delivery kits, and other health items have been supplied. This makes it easier for patients to get services without stress.
Bauchi Doctors and Nurses Share Updates
At the Konkyel centre, the officer in charge confirmed that drugs are available in the pharmacy. He also said delivery kits and other important items are ready for use.
At the Dagauda centre, Tafida Hussaini, the officer in charge, explained that the Bauchi government pays for free antenatal care and vaccines. He said funds were used to buy enough drugs for mothers and children. Hussaini also shared that the hospital has clean water and solar power. Because of this, the centre runs 24 hours without depending on NEPA.
Bauchi Facilities Upgraded and Secured
The Dagauda health centre used to have 30 beds, but after renovation it now has 49. The officer said the upgrade made the hospital bigger and better. Many patients now come from other places like Gamawa, Nengere, and Fika.
Security has also been provided. The African Development Bank gave seven security staff, and the Local Government Authority also provided more. The officer, however, asked for more doctors and nurses because more patients are now coming to the hospital.
Bauchi Healthcare Needs More Staff
Even though the centres are working well, the officer in charge said there is still a problem with manpower. He asked for more health workers to help treat the increasing number of patients in Bauchi hospitals.
He thanked the local government chairmen for giving extra land behind the main building. This space is now used to care for even more patients.
Conclusion
Bauchi has shown strong commitment to free healthcare for mothers and children under 5. The government has upgraded centres, provided drugs, delivery kits, and improved security. However, more staff are needed to keep up with the growing demand. With these steps, Bauchi is becoming a leading example of family healthcare in Nigeria.
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