In a bold move to bridge healthcare gaps in underserved communities, more than 6,200 patients across Bauchi and parts of Jigawa States have benefited from a large-scale free medical outreach organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Bauchi State Chapter.
The outreach, which initially commenced in Itas/Gadau, Jama’are, and Dass Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bauchi State, later extended to Giade/Zabi, Katagum/Madara, Gwaram (Jigawa State), and parts of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro. It provided free consultations, diagnostic services, medications, and surgical procedures to rural populations lacking access to essential healthcare.
In Giade/Zabi, 1,224 patients received treatment, including 29 surgeries conducted by a 44-member medical team. Katagum/Madara recorded 1,316 patients and 39 surgeries, while Gwaram, a border community in Jigawa, had 1,060 patients and 33 surgeries. An additional 2,000 residents from Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro also benefited from the initiative.
Speaking during the outreach, Dr. Abdullahi Muhammad Kabir, Consultant Gynaecologist, Vice Chairman of NMA Bauchi, and Zonal Coordinator of the program, emphasized the significance of the outreach. “This is a direct response to the growing health needs of rural communities, many of whom cannot afford basic healthcare due to economic hardship. Our target is to reach over 1,000 patients in each location with at least 50 general surgeries—completely free of charge.”
He added that more than 20 outpatient doctors and 10 surgeons were deployed, supported by nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and health records officers. The community turnout and feedback, he noted, have been overwhelmingly positive.
At Itas/Gadau, 886 patients were treated, and 17 surgeries were performed. Jama’are saw 1,090 consultations and 28 surgeries, while in Dass—at Liman Katagum Primary Health Centre—773 individuals received care, ranging from general outpatient and pediatric services to psychiatric and trauma (including gunshot wound) cases.
Residents commended the Federal Government and the medical teams for the impactful initiative. “Without this intervention, my son wouldn’t have had the hernia surgery he’s needed for years,” said Malam Musa, a grateful father from Katagum.
The Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, was praised for his leadership in executing the initiative. Stakeholders acknowledged his commitment to inclusive health reform and the revitalization of Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.
The outreach, spearheaded by NPHCDA and NMA Bauchi, reflects Nigeria’s broader commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring equitable access to quality health services for all.
