The House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services has applauded the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for its growing investment and reforms in the primary healthcare sector.
The commendation was given in Lokoja by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Amos Magaji, during a visit to evaluate the state of primary healthcare service delivery and the implementation of the Basic HealthCare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as part of the committee’s oversight functions.
Magaji, who led other members of the Committee to the state, praised the Ododo-led administration for revitalizing hundreds of primary health care centers, paying a full year’s premium upfront for the state health insurance scheme and for increasing the annualallocation to the health sector in the state’s budget.
He however urged the government to recruit more health personnel to strengthen service delivery at the grassroots.
The lawmaker also extended condolences to the government and people of Kogi State over the passing of the of the Governor Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani and prayed for God to grant him eternal rest.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of the State, Comrade Joel Salifu, who received members of the committee on behalf of Governor Ododo, expressed appreciation for the Committee’s visit and assured that the state government is fully committed to leveraging on federal health initiatives to provide accessible and quality healthcare services for its citizens.
He noted that Governor Ododo is making deliberate efforts to recruit more health workers while ensuring that state-owned tertiary institutions introduce and secure accreditation for health-related courses to train future personnel for the sector.
He emphasized that stakeholders across rural communities are cooperating with the government to secure investment in primary health care facilities, adding that the administration is determined to improve health outcomes for the people of the state.
He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his deliberate investment in the health sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing Kogi as one of the major beneficiaries of the initiatives.
Similarly, Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams said the administration has already revitalized over 70 primary health centers across the state.
He added that Governor Ododo has approved over ₦1 billion as counterpart funding for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to ensure improved functionality of health facilities.
Adams further disclosed that plans are underway to expand the state’s annual health budget in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Hon. Usman Ochidi, pledged legislative support to the executive arm of government to strengthen healthcare services in the state.
