Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has approved a 50% reduction in hospital service charges and medical bills for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the State.
The approval was disclosed in a statement issued by Ibrahim Adam, Media Aide to the Executive Chairman of the Zamfara State Persons with Disabilities Board (ZSPwDB), Usman Ahmad Nahuche.
According to the statement, the policy applies to all government-owned health facilities in Zamfara State and is aimed at improving access to affordable healthcare for persons with disabilities.
The Board commended Governor Lawal for what it described as a landmark intervention in advancing inclusive healthcare and social protection for PWDs.
It noted that the decision aligns with the administration’s rescue mission agenda and its commitment to ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.
The statement recalled that during the recently concluded Central and West Zonal Townhall Meetings, the Board engaged medical doctors and other health stakeholders on disability-inclusive healthcare, with discussions focusing on the implementation of the 50% hospital discount for PWDs.
Adam said the engagements helped to strengthen awareness around health rights, access, and dignity for persons living with disabilities in the State.
To ensure effective implementation of the policy, the Board disclosed plans to send a delegation to the Ministry of Health to engage relevant authorities.
The engagement, it said, would focus on awareness creation, clarification of operational guidelines, and strengthening collaboration between health institutions and disability stakeholders to ensure uniform application of the policy across the State.
The Board also urged persons with disabilities to obtain valid identification cards, once implementation modalities are fully clarified, to enable them to benefit from the policy.
Reaffirming its commitment under the leadership of Chairman Nahuche, the Board pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Health and other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure the policy is fully implemented and impactful.
“The Executive Chairman continues to appreciate Governor Dauda Lawal for his consistent support and commitment to improving the welfare and dignity of persons with disabilities in Zamfa State,” the statement added.
