By Blessing Odega
Jos, Oct. 16, 2026 (NAN) The Plateau Government says it has concluded arrangements for a two-week comprehensive free medical outreach across the three senatorial zones of the state.
Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, disclosed on Friday in Jos while briefing newsmen that the exercise would commence on Oct. 19.
Ba’amlong stated that the initiative which targets 6,000 patients was organised by the state government in collaboration with ICZ Germany Medical Specialists.
The commissioner explained that the aim of outreach was to improve access to quality healthcare, particularly for residents unable to afford essential medical services.
“This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to making quality healthcare more accessible and responsive to residents’ needs.
“The services to be offered include general medical consultations, general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, ear, nose and throat care, eye care and dental treatment,” he stated.
According to him, other services to be provided would include laboratory investigations, diagnostic services, cervical cancer screening through pap smears, health education, specialist consultations and referrals for further treatment.
He said the outreach in the central and southern senatorial zones would run from Oct. 19 to Oct. 30, while that of the northern senatorial zone would hold from Oct. 26 to Nov. 6.
Ba’amlong said that the General Hospital, Mangu, would serve as the venue for the central zone, while the General Hospital Shendam would serve as the venue for the southern zone.
He said the designated venues for the northern zone were Plateau State Specialist Hospital Jos and Trauma Hospital Riyom.
According to him, patients requiring advanced specialist interventions at Mangu, Shendam and Riyom Local Government Areas would be assessed and referred to the Plateau State Specialist Hospital Jos for further treatment.
He said the referral arrangement would ensure continuity of care, particularly for patients requiring complex surgical, neurosurgical and orthopaedic interventions beyond the capacity of the medical teams at the designated centres.
The commissioner urged residents experiencing persistent health challenges or requiring specialist consultations, surgery, eye care, dental treatment and diagnostic investigations to take advantage of the outreach.
He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, local government councils, women and youth organisations, and the media to publicise the programme to ensure that residents in rural and urban communities benefited.
Ba’amlong commended the state governor for the initiative and appreciated ICZ Germany and the German medical specialists for their collaboration and support for healthcare delivery in the state.
He further acknowledged the contributions of participating hospitals, health workers, development partners and other stakeholders towards the implementation of the programme.
