Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has announced plans to establish 63 primary healthcare centers across the state, with three facilities designated for each of the 21 local government areas. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and delivery in rural areas, thereby improving the overall health outcomes for residents.
The Governor made this declaration during the launch of the free health insurance scheme under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund in Kogi State. Expressing satisfaction with the progress achieved in enrolling civil servants and vulnerable populations in the state’s healthcare plans, Governor Ododo underscored the importance of such initiatives in ensuring universal healthcare coverage.
The event marked the commencement of healthcare access for over 32,000 enrollees in the formal sector healthcare plan, as well as 41,587 enrollees under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund. Additionally, the launch of the Ten-Year Strategic Plan of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency highlighted the government’s long-term commitment to healthcare improvement.
Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support, particularly through the provision of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, which aligns with the state’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He praised the President’s trust in the younger generation and highlighted the significance of federal interventions in enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services.
Acknowledging the contributions of his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Bello, Governor Ododo lauded the establishment of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency as a pivotal initiative. He emphasized the agency’s role in laying a solid foundation for expanding healthcare access and improving health outcomes for the state’s populace.
Governor Ododo reassured citizens of his administration’s commitment to building upon existing healthcare achievements. He pledged to prioritize the revitalization of primary healthcare centers across the state to ensure efficient service delivery and promote the overall well-being of Kogi State residents.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams AbdulAzeez Adeiza, emphasized that the launch of the access-to-care program would eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare in Kogi State, marking a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Dr. Aledare Adekunle, the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, highlighted the state’s progress in enrolling over 122,046 individuals into the access-to-care program. He affirmed the agency’s commitment to implementing strategic initiatives outlined in its Ten-Year Plan, with the goal of achieving 60% coverage of the state’s population within the next decade.