Free health care for 20 million Nigerians postponed over coronavirus

The Integrated Medical Outreach Programme, launched this week to offer free health care to 20 million Nigerians, has been suspended on account of Covid-19. I-MOP was scheduled to being on March 23 but the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency said the outbreak of Covid-19 would “unavoidably affect the roll out of the I-MOP initiative.” It […]

The Integrated Medical Outreach Programme, launched this week to offer free health care to 20 million Nigerians, has been suspended on account of Covid-19.

I-MOP was scheduled to being on March 23 but the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency said the outbreak of Covid-19 would “unavoidably affect the roll out of the I-MOP initiative.”

It comes after public-health officials recommended a stop to gatherings that involve more than 50 persons.

“Experts have recommended that crowded places be avoided to reduce chances of spreading the virus,” said NPHCDA executive director Faisal Shuaib.

“Thus, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency has temporarily suspended the I-MOP intervention being an activity that will pull Nigerians to health facilities in large numbers.”

A new date will be announced in due course, the agency announced.