The Jigawa State Government has issued a warning against the misuse of its free treatment programme for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the initiative.

The statement, released by the state’s Technical Adviser on Health, Isa Muhammad Surajo, urged health officials, hospital management, and community leaders to ensure that only eligible patients benefit from the programme.

Surajo said the directive follows the launch of the initiative by Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi’s administration, aimed at reducing the burden of long-term illnesses on vulnerable residents across the state.

Under the programme, patients diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, and sickle cell disease are entitled to free medical care as both outpatients and inpatients.

He explained that the services cover laboratory tests, radiological examinations such as X-rays and ultrasounds, provision of essential medications, and physiotherapy.

The free treatment is available in selected public health facilities, including General Hospitals in Dutse, Hadejia, Gumel, Kazaure, Ringim, Birnin Kudu, Jahun, Babura, Kafin Hausa, and Birniwa, as well as Bulangu and Gwaram Cottage Hospitals.

“All Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants in the health sector, hospital management teams, and host communities are hereby directed to prevent abuse of this privilege by non-beneficiaries,” the statement read.

The initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare for residents, particularly those living with chronic illnesses.

Officials reiterated that maintaining the programme’s integrity is essential to ensure seamless and effective service delivery for eligible patients.