A group, Almajiri Child Right Initiative has launched a programme to support free medical services for Almajiris in Jos, Plateau state capital.
The programmed, tagged Almajiri Healthcare Scheme (AlmaCare), is aimed at targeting Almajiris who roam the streets of Jos north LGA of Plateau State.
The initiative which was launched at Ali kazaure Primary Healthcare Centre, Jos will offer free basic medical treatments for the Almajiris when the need arises.
Plateau State Coordinator of the initiative, Dr Ahmad Sani, who stated that the scheme is to avail free healthcare services as well as other necessary social amenities to almajiri children in Jos, added that the Almajiris will be required to register in the Primary Healthcare Centres across the state capital, Jos.
According to him, the sundry services the scheme aims to provide to the Almajiris include quality education, decent shelter and skill acquisition, to make them productive and self reliant.
In his remarks, Dr. Ahmad Sani, disclosed that, “For the start, we have donated medicines to three PHCs within Jos North where the almajiri children will be going to report their medical challenges for treatment. “These are: Anguwan Rimi, Anguwan Rogo and Alikazaure PHCs.”
Mrs. Eisie Rengwar, the Director of Public Health, Plateau State Ministry of Health, who represented her ministry assured the group of the state government’s support to ensure the programme succeed.
Rengwar called on other well meaning Nigerians to key into the initiative. “Healthcare is a right of all citizens. “We see the programme as a welcome idea since the government cannot do everything. “We will partner with them to see that the healthcare needs of these children are provided. “We are here to support the initiative. “We believe that the programme will be expanded to other localities where Almajiris and other vulnerable children are found,” Rengwar added.
