The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved N121,950,000 for a three-month extension of the free maternal, newborn, and child health services at 271 primary health centres across the state.

Information commissioner Sagir Musa disclosed this on Thursday, following the council meeting.

He explained that ₦150,000 would be disbursed monthly to each facility, aiming to promote equity and universal healthcare across the 27 local government areas.

Mr Musa noted that the extension followed the success of a pilot phase in 10 selected PHCs across Gwaram, Garki, Galambi, Basirka, Sagu, Kiyawa, Malam Madori, Maigatari, Roni, and Taura LGAs.

“The pilot project demonstrated a significant impact in improving access to essential health services for women and children,” he said.

In addition, the executive council approved ₦1 billion as the 2025 state equity fund to expand access to quality healthcare.

Mr Musa stressed that the Namadi administration remained committed to strengthening the health sector and ensuring no citizen was left behind.

He explained that the equity fund would support 287,000 beneficiaries, including children, pregnant women, the poor, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, under the J-Basic Healthcare Programme.

“The council also approved an increase in the number of enrollees from 500 to 1,000 per political ward.

“The state equity fund is a core part of the J-Health Basic Social Insurance Programme, aimed at removing financial barriers to healthcare by covering service costs for those unable to pay.

“With this approval, Jigawa State reaffirms its commitment to achieving universal health coverage and improving health outcomes for all citizens,” Mr Musa said.

(NAN)