The House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services, has commended the Kogi State Government’s efforts to revitalize and reposition the primary healthcare sector in the state.
The committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Amos Magaji, gave the commendation on Monday in Lokoja at Kogi Deputy’s Governor’s office during the team’s oversight visit to the state, to evaluate the utilization of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Magaji emphasised the federal government’s determination to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare services to citizens, particularly at the grassroots level.
He noted that the BHCPF is a critical initiative aimed at improving access to primary healthcare services for all Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Magaji applauded the state government for introducing a one-year upfront insurance policy for citizens, thereby promoting Universal Health Coverage.
He commended the Kogi State Government for improving its annual budget for health, although he noted that the state’s budget is still below the Abuja Declaration of 15%.
The committee chairman urged the state government to increase its budget allocation for health and ensure timely release of funds to support the sector.
Magaji made several recommendations to the state government, including: strengthening human resources capacity by employing more healthcare workers as permanent staff
He also called for sustenance of counterpart funding on healthcare programs timely and regularly, and ensuring judicious utilization of the BHCPF for targeted purposes.
The Deputy Governor, Elder Joel Oyibo Salifu, who received the team on behalf of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving the healthcare system in the state.
He commended the President Bola Tinubu for his support and commitment to the people of Kogi State and assured the committee of the state’s total support to enable them deliver their functions maximally.
Salifu stressed that the oversight visit demonstrated the commitment of both the federal and state governments to improving healthcare delivery in Kogi State.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adeiza Abdulazeez, said the the state government has upgraded PHCs across the state, enhancing healthcare service delivery.
Abdulazeez noted the Governor has approved counterpart funding worth over a billion naira for healthcare programmes in the state..
The commissioner reiterated the state government commitment to strengthening human resources capacity by employing more healthcare workers.
“Under Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s leadership, the state is prioritizing healthcare, with substantial investments in primary healthcare to benefit citizens.
“With the BHCPF and other initiatives, the state is taking significant steps towards revitalizing its primary healthcare sector and ensuring quality healthcare services for its citizens,” he said.
Dr. Musa Mu’azu, Executive Director of KogiThe committee, led by its Chairman, Mr Amos Magaji, gave the commendation on Monday in Lokoja at Kogi Deputy’s Governor’s office during the team’s oversight visit to the state, to evaluate the utilization of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) by the government.
State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), and Dr. Adekunle Aledare, Executive Secretary of Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA), joined the Commissioner in guiding the House Committee members through the visited PHCs.
Dr Mu’azu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare service delivery.
He emphasized the importance of accountability, community participation, and expanding quality healthcare services.
“With primary healthcare as our foundation, Governor Ododo’s administration is dedicated to delivering affordable, high-quality care to all citizens, everywhere,” Mu’azu said.
The oversight visit featured technical presentations on the three BHCPF Gateways which include: NPHCDA, Health Insurance, and NCDC/Public Health Emergency.
In his presentation, Dr Bola Emmanuel Jonah, Kogi State SWAp Desk Officer, showcased infrastructure upgrades, essential drug supply, and strengthened PHC service delivery.
On his part, Dr Adekunle Aledare, explained the one-year upfront insurance policy driving Universal Health Coverage.
Dr Austin Ojotule, State Epidemiologist, who presented on NCDC/Public Health Emergency, outlined the state’s preparedness for disease surveillance and public health emergencies.
The visited
Primary Healthcare Centre (PHCs) included: PHC Ahoko in Gegu, Kogi LGA, PHC Felele, PHC Kpata, as well as the State tertiary health institution- Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH), among others.