Ministry of Health Engages Media to Discuss Healthcare Delivery, Interventions, and Free Services for Residents
By Yahaya Zakka, Minna
The Niger State Ministry of Health held its second-quarter 2026 media dialogue, bringing together journalists and stakeholders in the health sector to discuss developmental interventions and challenges affecting healthcare delivery across the state.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the media to seek clarification from the ministry on some of the health services currently available to residents, as well as the interventions being implemented across various healthcare facilities in major districts.
The Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Mohammed Bagana, highlighted some achievements during the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
He disclosed that there are hospitals and health clinics where residents can access free vaccines and other medical services as part of efforts to lessen the financial burden associated with maternal healthcare, as part of ongoing government intervention in the state.
Dr. Murtala Bagana also discussed the treatment of victims of road accidents and snakebites for free if cases are presented within the first 48 hours and explained some arrangements in place to ensure emergency cases receive prompt and free attention.
According to him, the federal and Niger State governments are pooling resources for special interventions.
“If you have a woman that is pregnant and in danger of delivery, if she goes to some designated hospitals in Minna, Kontagora, Suleja, and Bida, all she needs to do is to have her NIN and she will be attended to free of charge as part of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s intervention, part of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s renewed agenda.”
He disclosed that these services are free, which many people are unaware of. He urged journalists to raise awareness so residents can appreciate Governor Umaru Bago’s efforts in making healthcare services affordable.
Dr. Murtala Bagana further disclosed that Cesarean Section operations are being provided free of charge at five designated centers across the state.
He stated that vaccines are also available free of charge at all Primary Healthcare Centers in the state, urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive the recommended vaccines.
He said the Ministry of Health is working to enforce relevant provisions of the Child Rights Act and other regulations to ensure children have access to routine immunization.
He explained that this move aims to address barriers to vaccination and prevent avoidable outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Regarding diphtheria, Bagana said the state has recorded 124 treated cases within the last seven months.
He reported that 103 patients have been treated and discharged, while 17 deaths have been recorded.
According to him, three new cases had recently been identified, with one patient currently on admission.
He stated that the government is strengthening disease surveillance, case management, immunization, and public awareness to contain the disease and prevent further transmission.
Bagana urged parents and caregivers to ensure children are fully vaccinated, emphasizing that routine immunization is vital in preventing childhood diseases such as diphtheria, measles, and other vaccine-preventable infections.
The Commissioner also discussed other aspects of healthcare delivery, including ongoing interventions and the importance of residents to properly utilize the facilities.
