Despite Diplomatic Rift with Nigeria, Nigerien Patients Troop to Katsina for Medical Care
Despite the ongoing diplomatic tension between Nigeria and Niger Republic, following the military takeover in Niger and the subsequent sanctions imposed by ECOWAS under President Bola Tinubu, there has been a steady influx of patients from Niger seeking medical care in Katsina State, particularly in the border town of Jibia.
A recent visit to the Comprehensive Health Center and General Hospital in Jibia revealed numerous patients, mostly women, from Niger Republic receiving various medical treatments, including antenatal and postnatal services, as well as care for various ailments.
Many of these patients are from Maradi State, which shares an extensive border with Katsina State.
Nafisa Suleiman, from Kwarmazawa village, and Asma’u Haruna, from Kale, both in Maradi, spoke about their visits to Jibia’s Comprehensive Health Center with their children.
“They examined my baby and provided free drugs and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). The facilities here are excellent, and the services are impressive,” Nafisa shared.
Similarly, Rabi Sani, from Mairaga village in Maradi, visited the center for postnatal care, where her underweight baby was treated with free medication and RUTF.
Dahiru Magaji, the official in charge of the center, confirmed that the facility experiences a daily influx of patients from Niger, particularly pregnant women seeking antenatal care. “Many of them come from communities like Dan Isa, Faru, Mada-Runfa, Kale, Hirji, and Mairaga. Some even deliver their babies here,” he stated.
He also highlighted improvements to the healthcare infrastructure in Jibia, including a newly constructed pediatric ward, a doctors’ quarters, and a reliable supply of medical materials.
“Residents of Jibia receive top-quality healthcare services, but we cannot turn away those from Niger Republic who also seek medical attention here,” Magaji added.
Despite the political tensions between the two countries, Jibia remains a vital healthcare hub for patients from Niger Republic, underscoring the commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare for all.
