Naira Scarcity: Zulum donates N300 Million worth of Free Pharmaceuticals to Patients

Kathy Kyari

To cushion the effect of the Naira scarcity, Professor Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno State, has ordered the disbursement of more than N300 million worth of medications and other medical supplies to the state government hospitals for free distribution to patients, the majority of whom were having trouble paying due to a lack of new and old naira notes.

Professor Mohammed Arab Alhaji, the commissioner of Health and Human Services, revealed this when introducing the medications at the outlets run by his ministry on Baga Road in Maiduguri.

Medicines for common ailments, kits for pregnancy delivery, and other necessities for healthcare were included in the packages.

In order to get their allotments for the prompt deployment of the medications, the commissioner instructed medical directors and principal medical officers of public healthcare facilities in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere to rapidly file procedural papers.

Arab stressed that patients who lack the means to pay for their services or who have trouble accessing their cash should receive their medications for free.

According to Zulum, "while we know some people may have money and still seek free drugs by saying they need funds, we cannot because some dishonest people, refuse to support those in need," therefore officials will rely on patients to be honest.

Arab praised Governor Zulum on behalf of the state's medical staff for once again stepping in to help people during a time of need, calling the action humane.

In a joint statement, medical directors and principal medical officers of public hospitals expressed satisfaction with the governor.

Dr. Baba Shehu Mohammed, Medical Director of the State Specialty Hospital, spoke on their behalf and even claimed that they were pleased that the patients get to benefit, because it typically saddens them to watch patients unable to pay for diagnoses or purchase medications after being prescribed.

Dr. Mohammed spoke amongst other medical directors and principal medical officers in charge of the Molai General Hospital, Mohammed Shuwa Memorial Hospital, Umaru Shehu Ultra Modern Hospital, Maryam Abatcha Women and Children Hospital, Eye Hospital, and Dental Hospital. They had all witnessed Commissioner Arab unveil the N300 million worth of drugs that Governor Zulum had ordered to help patients who were suffering from naira scarcity.

The Borno State Ministry of Health is working with the state's Board of Internal Revenue, which is in charge of collecting all payments in public hospitals, and the First Bank Plc, the financial institution involved with the payment issues, to provide more POS (point of sale) machines at public hospitals throughout Borno State, the Commissioner stated.