Over 6,200 patients benefit as FG, NPHCDA, NMA extend free medical outreach in Bauchi, Jigawa

In a sweeping effort to bridge healthcare gaps in Nigeria’s rural areas, over 6,200 patients across Bauchi and parts of Jigawa states have benefited from a large-scale free medical outreach organized by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Bauchi State Chapter.

The outreach, which began earlier in Itas/Gadau, Jama’are, and Dass LGAs of Bauchi State, expanded its impact to include Glade/Zabi, Katagum/Madara, Gwaram, and parts of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro, offering free consultations, diagnostics, medications, and surgeries to underserved populations.

At Giade/Zabi, 1,224 patients received treatment with 29 surgical interventions successfully completed by a 44-member team of health professionals. Katagum/Madara witnessed 1,316 patients and 39 surgeries, while Gwaram, a border community in Jigawa State, had 1,060 patients and 33 surgeries performed. An additional 2,000 residents from Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro also benefited from medical services.

Speaking to reporters during the outreach, Dr. Abdullahi Muhammad Kabir, a Consultant Gynaecologist, Vice Chairman of NMA Bauchi, and Zonal Coordinator of the outreach, said “This outreach is a direct response to the growing health needs of our rural communities, many of whom cannot afford basic healthcare services due to the current economic realities. Our target is to reach over 1,000 patients in each location with at least 50 general surgeries—all at no cost to the beneficiaries.”

He added that they deployed over 20 outpatient doctors and 10 surgeons, supported by nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and health records officers. The results have been overwhelming, both in turnout and the positive feedback from community members.

At Itas/Gadau, the team saw 886 patients and conducted 17 surgeries, while Jama’are recorded 1,090 consultations and 28 surgeries. In Dass, hosted at the Liman Katagum Primary Health Centre, 773 people received care across general outpatient, pediatric, psychiatric, and even trauma (gunshot) cases.

Residents have lauded the Federal Government and participating health professionals for the life-saving initiative. “Without this intervention, my son wouldn’t have had the hernia surgery he’s needed for years,” said Malam Musa, a beneficiary from Katagum.

The Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, under whose leadership the initiative was executed, was praised for his commitment to inclusive health reform and primary healthcare revitalization. Stakeholders acknowledged that his leadership has brought renewed energy and direction to the nation’s health system.

The outreach, coordinated by NPHCDA and NMA Bauchi, aligns with Nigeria’s broader commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the goal of ensuring equitable access to essential health services.