A group, Almajiri Child RightInitiative has launched a programme to support free medical services forAlmajiris in Jos, Plateau state capital.
The programmed, tagged AlmajiriHealthcare Scheme (AlmaCare), is aimed at targeting Almajiris who roam the streets
of Jos north LGA of Plateau State.The initiative which was launchedat Ali kazaure Primary Healthcare Centre, Jos will offer free basic medical treatments for theAlmajiris when the need arises.
Plateau State Coordinator of the
initiative, Dr Ahmad Sani, who stated that the scheme is to avail freehealthcare services as well as other necessary social amenities to almajirichildren in Jos, added that the Almajiris will be required to register in thePrimary Healthcare Centres across the state capital, Jos.According to him, the sundryservices 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 PHCswithin Jos North where the almajiri children will be going to report theirmedical challenges for treatment. “These are: Anguwan Rimi, Anguwan Rogo andAlikazaure 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.
