The Katsina government has announced free medical care to patients diagnosed with typhoid fever.

Bala Salisu-Zango, Commissioner for Information and Culture, stated this in a press release on Monday in Katsina.

He stated that the medical care included treatment and surgery for patients diagnosed with typhoid perforation in five designated health facilities throughout Katsina.

The commissioner listed the facilities to include General Hospital Katsina, Turai Yar’adua Hospital Katsina, General Amadi Rimi Special Hospital Katsina, General Hospital Jibia, and General Hospital Funtua.

According to Mr Salisu-Zango, the initiative aims to reduce the burden of treatment on patients by ensuring that those diagnosed with the disease receive timely and adequate treatment, thereby preventing further outbreaks of the disease.

This, he said, was part of the government’s broader commitment towards enhancing healthcare delivery and promoting public health awareness in the state.

“Typhoid fever remains a major health challenge in many parts of Nigeria, including Katsina State, due to factors such as inadequate sanitation, contaminated water, particularly during the rainy season, and poor hygiene practices.

“Recognising these challenges, the state government is committed to supporting affected individuals by offering free diagnosis, medication, and follow-up care at designated healthcare facilities across the state,” he said.

The Commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu, said the priority was to safeguard the health and well-being of the people.

“By providing free medical care for typhoid patients, we hope to encourage early treatment, reduce complications, and ultimately decrease the incidence of this preventable disease.

“Patients with typhoid infection are encouraged to visit the nearest designated health centers if they experience symptoms such as prolonged fever, abdominal pain, headache, and weakness.

“Katsina government wishes to also urge the public to adopt preventive measures, including proper hand washing, drinking safe water, and maintaining good sanitation practices,” Mr Adamu said. 

(NAN)