Prof. Muhammad Ali-Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has organized a free medical outreach for flood victims in Bauchi State,Daily Trust reports.
During an inspection of the outreach in Misau and Katagum Local Government Areas on Sunday, Ali-Pate emphasized that the initiative aims to provide medical care to as many victims as possible.
The outreach is a collaboration between his privately funded Non-Governmental Organization, Chigari Foundation, and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
At the temporary Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Azare, Katagum LGA, the minister praised the dedication and professionalism of the medical practitioners providing care. “People are being treated for common illnesses such as malaria, pneumonia, and hypertension. In these challenging times, we must do all we can to bring relief to our fellow citizens,” he said.
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“We have witnessed the incredible work being done by health professionals—doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and lab scientists—who are all working together to support our communities during this difficult period.”
Ali-Pate assured the public that anyone who attends the outreach will receive a free check-up, diagnosis, and treatment. He noted that over 1,200 individuals had already been treated for various conditions, including malaria, pneumonia, and skin infections.
“It’s about providing access in an emergency situation. With internally displaced populations here, we must do everything we can to support our communities,” he said.
He added that Chigari Foundation would extend assistance to all nine local government areas affected by the floods in Bauchi State. The foundation also aims to offer direct support to 250 people in each of the flood-affected local government areas.
Ali-Pate called on Nigerians to join efforts in bringing relief to communities affected by disasters across the country to help alleviate the suffering caused by natural disasters.
Dr. Yusuf Bappa, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association’s Bauchi State chapter, explained that the outreach was organized to assist those impacted by the recent floods in the senatorial zone. He noted that over 1,000 children, women, and men with various health issues were treated at the temporary IDP camp, and those with severe cases were referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Azare for further treatment.
Awawu Umaru, a 70-year-old beneficiary, expressed her gratitude to the state government for providing the temporary IDP camp and thanked the minister and NMA for the free medical care.
