By Seun Ibukun-Oni
DAILY COURIER - In a bid to address the long-standing challenges in Kogi State’s healthcare sector, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at overhauling the state’s primary healthcare system. These reforms, designed to ensure high-quality, accessible, and effective healthcare services, were revealed during a stakeholders' engagement session on primary healthcare revitalization held in Lokoja, the state capital.
Governor Ododo, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, announced a significant initiative that will see periodic spot checks conducted on all Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Kogi. This move, led by the Primary Healthcare Task Force in collaboration with local government authorities and traditional rulers, is aimed at ensuring heightened accountability, improving coordination, and elevating the standard of services at PHCs.
In his address, Governor Ododo stressed the pivotal role PHCs play in improving the health of the state’s citizens, particularly in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, enhancing immunization coverage, and raising public awareness about the importance of primary healthcare within the overall healthcare system.
“Our administration is committed to addressing the challenges in the primary healthcare system and ensuring that our citizens receive better healthcare outcomes,” Governor Ododo said. “We are focused on improving data collection and adhering to best practices in case management across all PHCs to achieve these goals.”
Highlighting the importance of a collaborative approach, Governor Ododo expressed his appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued support for healthcare reforms at the national level. He noted that such support has been crucial in enabling Kogi’s ongoing healthcare transformation efforts.
Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, the State Commissioner for Health, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration among stakeholders in sustaining the reform efforts. He revealed that at least one PHC in each of the state’s 239 wards is currently operational and supported by funding. Plans are also in place to further increase the number of fully functional PHCs to ensure broader access to essential health services.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, was also present at the engagement and commended the Ministry of Health for its tireless efforts in improving primary healthcare delivery in Kogi State. He pledged the continued support of traditional rulers, emphasizing their role in monitoring and supervising PHCs to ensure consistent service delivery.
“Our traditional institutions are fully committed to supporting the government in ensuring that these healthcare reforms succeed,” the Ohinoyi stated. “We will work hand in hand with the Ministry of Health to ensure that the PHCs are properly monitored and that services are delivered to the people effectively.”
With the reforms aimed at revamping the primary healthcare system, Governor Ododo's administration is focused on building a sustainable and responsive healthcare infrastructure. The periodic inspections, improved data management, and collaboration with traditional leaders and stakeholders are set to elevate the state’s healthcare system and significantly enhance health outcomes for Kogi citizens.
The Governor's commitment to these reforms highlights his administration’s resolve to ensure that healthcare services in Kogi State are accessible, efficient, and sustainable, fulfilling the state’s healthcare needs in alignment with broader national objectives.
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