The Save Gashua Foundation initiated a two-day medical camp in Gashua, the administrative hub of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State. As reported by Punch, the event serves roughly 700 local inhabitants and started on Monday. The primary goal is to offer essential health services to community members who struggle with the financial costs of routine medical care.
Hamza Tasi’u, the foundation’s executive director, explained that the programme targets vulnerable populations facing economic hurdles in accessing treatment. He stated that the screening process involves measuring kidney function, checking blood sugar levels, monitoring blood pressure, and providing general medical advice. Tasi’u emphasized that these diagnostics allow individuals to understand their health conditions and take appropriate action. He also noted that participant numbers surpassed the organizers’ initial forecasts, indicating strong community engagement.
The camp specifically addresses the chronic issue of renal illness in Gashua, Bade, and surrounding areas. According to Punch, locals have dealt with this condition for years, often needing specialized care that is scarce locally. Many patients currently make trips to Damaturu, the state capital, to receive dialysis. Although the Yobe State Government offers complimentary dialysis at its teaching hospital, with over 800 sessions delivered, the journey remains a significant burden for patients.
Yusuf Nadabo, a nursing staff member present at the camp, described the initiative as a way to help the community obtain basic medical aid without the usual financial strain of consultations. He highlighted that the outreach minimizes the need for residents to pay for fundamental screenings that are otherwise expensive. The foundation’s effort seeks to connect the availability of state-funded dialysis with the practical difficulties of reaching it.
Locals in Bade have voiced worries that transport costs to Damaturu increase the total expense of managing kidney issues. They have requested the state administration to build a dedicated dialysis unit within Bade LGA. Such a facility would bring specialized care closer to patients, easing the financial and logistical pressures of frequent trips to the state capital for regular sessions.