By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
A community based Sociocultural Association under the aegis of Kobi/Ilelah Development Forum (Ko’ile) have held it’s second meeting today Saturday 10th July, 2022 in Bauchi.
After reading and adopting the minutes of it’s last meeting under the Forum’s Chairman, Mallam Mustapha Abubakar, discussions were then focused on healthcare concerns of the community.
In his contribution, a member of the Forum , Air Commodore Ali Muhammad Sadique (rtd) emphasis on the need for the community to embrace the current effort of Bauchi State Government in the enrolment into the State Health Contributory Scheme.
He said it is an avenue where the poorest of the poor can access medical services with just a token payment to be paid once in a year.
Sadique also disclosed that arrangements have been concluded to start a Ko’ile pharmacy services to also complement the effort of Government in providing drugs at a subsidized rates to members of the public especially the poor and vulnerable groups.
He then called on the well to do within the community to support in sustaining the pharmacy through donations for the purchase of drugs and other medical consumables when the pharmacy eventually takes off.
At the end of the meeting, two committees were set up to explore possibility of Ko’ile joining the State Health Contributory Scheme and to also study the status of education in the community with a view to charting a way forward.
Other area of concern discussed during the meeting was the sanitary conditions of the community regarding waste disposals.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Forum Mallam Mustapha Abubakar informed members that, though it was the resolve of the Forum to be holding meeting twice a year, extra ordinary meetings can also be convened to address emerging issues as it affects the community.
The Chairman also thanked members for sparing their time to attend the meeting, describing the gesture as demonstration of care and concern for the welfare of the community.
There were contributions from members of the Forum who all agreed on the need for commitment and dedication in serving to improve the well-being of the community.
Others also suggested that for any given concern bothering the community, leaders of the Forum also need to reach out to relevant government agencies in order to partner with it toward solving such concerns.
Our correspondent reports that the two hours meeting attracted members of the community both young and old from all walks of life.
