The Kebbi State Government has enrolled 100 women with disabilities into the state’s Contributory Health Management Agency, ensuring they have free access to essential healthcare services.
Speaking during the launch of the initiative in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, Dr. Suwaiba Jadadi from KECHEMA emphasized the significance of the program in improving healthcare access for persons with disabilities.
“This will have a great impact on their lives because most of them need medical care, and accessing healthcare services has been a challenge for many,” she said. “With this free medical healthcare, they can go to the hospital and receive treatment without paying a penny.”
Jadadi further explained that the beneficiaries would receive comprehensive healthcare services, including consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and even surgeries, all at no cost.
“As part of our agency’s commitment, we enroll over 1,000 people annually, and so far, more than 140,000 beneficiaries have been enrolled across the state,” she added.
The initiative was part of a one-day Mental Health Awareness Outreach and Enrollment Program, organized by the Network of Women with Disabilities, in collaboration with KECHEMA and NANAS Charity Foundation.
Dr. Lai’atu Augustine-Bamaiyi, the state coordinator of the Network of Women with Disabilities, highlighted the importance of the program in addressing the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities.
“These individuals need guidance and support to navigate their challenges and live fulfilling lives,” she stated. “Our organization saw the need to organize this program to sensitize them, screen them, and address their health concerns early.”
She commended KECHEMA, NANAS Charity Foundation, and the medical professionals involved in the initiative for their dedication to improving the well-being of vulnerable women.
Augustine-Bamaiyi also urged persons with disabilities to remain determined and not allow their conditions to define them.
“Disability is not the end of life,” she said. “With courage and determination, they can achieve their goals and reach great heights.”
She further expressed optimism about employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, noting that Governor Nasir Idris had established a Commission for Persons with Disabilities to address their concerns.
“In no time, many of their complaints will be a thing of the past,” she assured.
Dr. Khadija Abdullahi, a member of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, explained that the outreach also aimed to promote mental health awareness among persons with disabilities.
“We are here to consult, examine, and provide health awareness talks, particularly on mental health,” she stated. “We want to encourage them to take care of their health and understand that their condition does not define their future.”
Abdullahi noted that a specialized team of doctors, including ophthalmologists, was on-site to conduct vision checks, especially for albinos who often experience refractive errors and other eye conditions.
“The ophthalmologists are here to examine their eyes, provide medication, and offer corrective glasses where necessary,” she added. “We also have consultation stands for general health checkups and medication distribution.”
She appealed to individuals, corporate organizations, and the government to support persons with physical disabilities by providing wheelchairs to improve their mobility.
“This will go a long way in easing their challenges, especially for those who have to crawl due to a lack of mobility aids,” she urged.
