In a powerful appeal that blends policy insight, compassion, and constitutional obligation, disability rights advocate and PhD researcher in public health education Muktar Umar has issued a clarion call to the Bauchi State Government to activate and fully implement the law that guarantees free medical care for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
“Show mercy to those on the earth, and the One in the heavens will show mercy to you.” — Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Quoting this profound hadith, Umar reminded stakeholders — including His Excellency, Senator Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir (CON), Executive Governor of Bauchi State — that PWDs are an integral part of society, and the government has both a moral and legal duty to protect and support them.
A Legal Obligation, Not a Charity
Umar emphasized that the Bauchi State PWDs Law on Health already provides for free healthcare for all registered persons with disabilities. According to the 2013 census, there are approximately 21,731 PWDs in Bauchi State — a number that Umar argues should not strain the state’s health budget, but whose lives could be immeasurably improved by such care.
“This is not a favour — it is a lawful right rooted in equity and justice,” Umar stated.
Key Provisions of the Bauchi State PWDs Health Law
- Equal Access to Healthcare: The law mandates that PWDs be given full and non-discriminatory access to medical services.
- Free Medical Treatment: All health institutions within Bauchi State are legally obligated to provide free healthcare services to persons with disabilities.
Actionable Implementation Roadmap
To ensure this law moves from paper to practice, Umar laid out five practical steps the state government and the Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities can take immediately:
- Collaboration with BASHCMA: Partner with the Bauchi State Health Contributory Management Agency to register all PWDs in state-run facilities.
- Comprehensive Statewide Registration: Issue ID cards indicating LGA, ward, and type of disability to enable access to services.
- Monitoring & Transparency: Form an oversight team to ensure proper implementation and prevent abuse.
- Operational Logistics: Provide a functional vehicle to enable field monitoring and outreach activities.
- Monthly Health Fund: Allocate a ₦5 million monthly budget to sustain the initiative and ensure uninterrupted care.
A Final Plea to Leadership
“We respectfully urge Your Excellency to activate this noble law to ease the hardship of our most vulnerable citizens,” Umar concluded, calling for bold and compassionate leadership.
He underscored that true governance must be anchored in justice, mercy, and equity — values that reflect both religious ethics and constitutional rights.
The Road Ahead
With increasing calls for inclusive governance, Muktar Umar’s appeal shines a necessary spotlight on a legally enshrined but unimplemented provision. As the conversation around health equity continues nationwide, Bauchi State now has a chance to lead by example — not by crafting new policies, but by enforcing the ones already passed in law.
Muktar Umar, PhD (in view) can be reached at : umarmuktara100@gmail.com
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