The Kebbi State Government has registered 100 women with disabilities in the State Contributory Health Management Agency (KECHEMA). In an interview conducted during the program’s launch in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, Dr. Suwaiba Jadadi from KECHEMA emphasized that the primary goal of the initiative is to enhance healthcare accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dr. Jadadi made these remarks at a one-day Mental Health Awareness Outreach and Enrollment event for 100 women with disabilities in the KECHEMA program. This initiative was organized by the Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) in partnership with KECHEMA and NANAS Charity Foundation. Dr. Jadadi stated, “This initiative will significantly improve their quality of life, as many require medical assistance and healthcare services, which are often challenging for them to obtain. However, with this free medical care, they can visit hospitals and receive services at no cost, without any payment required.
They don’t need to buy a card; everything is free, including check-ups, consultations, medications, and surgeries. Dr. Lai’atu Augustine-Bamaiyi, who leads the Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) in the state, mentioned that the organization usually signs up over 1,000 individuals each year and has helped more than 140,000 people since its start. The outreach program aims to support individuals with disabilities by providing the guidance they need to overcome their challenges, helping them to live fulfilling lives just like everyone else.
Our organization has launched an initiative aimed at increasing awareness, facilitating screenings, and understanding the minor issues faced by individuals. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions in their care. We are partnering with KECHEMA, a state agency dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations. Currently, KECHEMA is integrating 100 individuals from these communities into their insurance program at no cost. We appreciate the efforts of KECHEMA, the NANAS Foundation, and the women’s medical team for their unwavering commitment and essential support in the successful implementation of this program.
Augustine-Bamaiyi encouraged individuals with disabilities to view their challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities to demonstrate determination and courage in pursuing their goals and reaching their fullest potential. Regarding employment prospects for persons with disabilities, Augustine-Bamaiyi reassured that the NGO is actively working to promote inclusivity within the state. She also noted with approval that Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi has established a new Commission for Persons with Disabilities, indicating that their grievances will soon be addressed.
Dr. Khadija Abdullahi, a member of the medical team from the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), also spoke, stating: “We are here to serve our special guests, individuals with disabilities, by providing consultations, health examinations, and educational talks on mental health. “Our aim is to encourage them to prioritize their health. While they may face limitations due to their circumstances, we want to emphasize that these challenges are not their fault; they are part of how they were created. “We are here to reassure them that their difficulties will not hinder them from achieving their aspirations in life.”
Medical professionals are on hand to rigorously assess vital signs, and our team of eye doctors is ready to assist patients, particularly those with albinism, who often face serious vision challenges such as refractive errors and other ocular issues. These specialists will conduct thorough eye examinations and promptly provide necessary medications and glasses. Additionally, we have dedicated consultation stations where individuals can undergo comprehensive health evaluations and receive essential medications.
Abdullahi firmly urged compassionate individuals, businesses, and government bodies to take immediate action to support people with disabilities by providing wheelchairs. It is crucial to assist those who are currently crawling to significantly ease their daily struggles.
(NAN)
