By Jude Opara, Abuja
As part of his agenda to enhance healthcare access for most of the vulnerable populations in kano state, Governor Abba Yusuf has launched the Abba Care Initiative, with the enrolment of over 300,000 individuals in a free health insurance scheme.
This is as the state government is equally taking a bold step to combat sickle cell anemia, with the planned commissioning of a state-of-the-art clinic dedicated to providing free, comprehensive care for patients living with the disease.
The Governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature Tofa who disclosed this in a statement on Monday noted that the beneficiaries free health insurance scheme include; pregnant women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, inmates in correctional facilities, and individuals living with sickle cell anemia.
Tofa said the initiative which is fully funded and managed by the Kano State Contributory Health Management Agency (KCHMA), is designed to ensure marginalized groups can access quality healthcare services at no cost in designated facilities across the state.
According to him, Governor Yusuf described the programme as a cornerstone of his administration’s vision for inclusive governance, which also reaffirmed his commitment to the health and welfare of Kano’s underprivileged citizens.
The statement further stated that the announcement for the commissioning of the sickle cell anemia free centre was made by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, during the flag-off of the 2nd Maternal and Neonatal Week 2024 at Kumbotso Local Government Area.
The specialized care center is located at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.
“The facility will offer a wide range of free services, including diagnosis, consultations, medication, and surgical operations for sickle cell patients.
“Governor Yusuf’s unwavering commitment to addressing the burden of sickle cell anemia stems from promises made during his campaign, as outlined in his blueprint for healthcare reform”.
