From Shuaibu Zubair Tatu, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KECHEMA) has concluded arrangements to provide free medical services to 300 sickle cell patients, to mitigate hardship for carriers and caregivers
The State coordinator of Kebbi State Sickle Cell Association (KESCA), Hajiya Hadiza Shantali, stated that KECHEMA has registered 300 of its members for free treatment in the state’s health facilities.
Shantali speaking during the monthly forum of the association, saying the gesture by KECHEMA would reduce the suffering of the sickle cell patients in the state because they can now access the facilities free of charge.
She said “There are over 2,882 registered sickle cell patients in kebbi State and we are still registering more. They all need medical attention. We are happy with KECHEMA’s gesture to register 300 of our members for free medical treatment.
We commended Dr Jafar Augie for this, he is a kind man. May Allah guide him right. He has really taken the burden off many of our members, their parents and guidance.
KESCA coordinator said sickle cell usually comes with challenges and because of this the forum has decided to mentor, distribute drugs to members and educate them on what they are expected to face and how to carry on with their lives.
“It should not be a burden or reason for any sickle cell patients not to live normal life. They are warriors, warriors don’t give up”‘ she said
