Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi says patients will receive free treatment for diabetes, hypertension and sickle cell anemia at state health centers from January.
The governor expressed concern over the increasing number of disease cases among the state's vulnerable population.
He stated this on Thursday at the Annual Doctors Week, which the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) organized in Hadejia Local Government Area.
The NMA organized the event in Hadejia City to raise awareness about the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the Hadejia Emirate.
The governor, represented by Abdullahi Kainuwa, the state Health Commissioner, also said the administration plans to complete free kidney dialysis centers in the headquarters of the state's five emirate councils (Dutse, Hadejia, Kazaure, Ringim and Gumel) by March. next year.
“The government is establishing dialysis centers in the five state headquarters in the emirates. So far, the government has added two dialysis machines at Hadejia Hospital. We intend to make dialysis free for all patients in Jigawa State until March next year,” Kainuwa said.
Diabetics, hypertension and sickle cell anemia.
Kainuwa, a doctor, said diabetes and hypertension contribute to chronic kidney disease, which is why the government is committed to addressing the issues comprehensively.
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“The incidence of diabetes and hypertension is skyrocketing and everyone knows the contribution of diabetes and hypertension to chronic kidney disease.
“In 2023, patients made 147,924 visits to Jigawa hospitals for the treatment of hypertension.
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“In 2023, there were around 94,000 visits to diabetics and around 9,448 visits to people with sickle cell anemia.
“The governor has directed that from January next year, treatment of hypertension, diabetes and sickle cell anemia will be free in the state,” Mr Kainuwa said.
He added that the government had offered help to the group by spending huge amounts on treating their illnesses.
Prevalence of kidney disease in the Hadejia axis
Some researchers who spoke at the event said they were investigating rampant cases of kidney diseases in the Hadejia Valley.
The Hadejia Valley, which runs through Zakirai in Kano State to Nguru and Gashua in Yobe State, has the highest rate of kidney diseases in the country.