Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has commissioned the revitalization of 80 primary health care centers (PHCs) across the 21 local government areas of the state, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his heavy investment in the revitalization of primary health care centers across the country.
He noted that the initiative has brought quality medical care closer to rural communities.
Governor Ododo stated this on Friday during the commissioning of the first phase of the revitalized primary care centres, a stakeholder engagement meeting, the State Leadership Challenge Awards to local government areas and the handover of health equipment and products in Lokoja.
The Governor, who also commissioned one of the revitalized primary health care centers in Lokoja on behalf of others, said the country-wide primary health care revitalization project initiated by President Tinubu has transformed the health sector by extending services to the grassroots, giving people access to free and quality healthcare.
“In the past, rural communities had to take their sick relatives to cities where they could access health services and, in most cases, due to long distances, patients died before reaching the hospital.
“Today, that trend has been reversed as a result of massive investment in primary health care through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). We are very grateful to the President and the Agency,” he said.
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Ododo added that his administration is following in the footsteps of the President in ensuring rapid and positive development in the 21 local government areas of Kogi State.
He warned residents not to vandalize the premises and warned that anyone caught in the act would be brought to justice.
The Governor also announced cash rewards of ₦250,000 each for winners of the APS Leadership Challenge in all local government areas of the state.
Additionally, it approved ₦3 million, ₦2 million and ₦5 million for the best performing first, second and overall LGAs, respectively, in each senatorial district.
Earlier, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, said the agency works with states to develop primary health care services, infrastructure and systems.
His words: “We don’t manage or own the facility, you do. Over the past year or so, we’ve accomplished a lot together and plan to do even more.”
“At the beginning of the year, we planned to revitalize 196 APS, some by the federal government, most by the state, and some by our partners, but the Governor even surpassed that goal.
“Today we are also delivering a stock of primary health care equipment that will initially be distributed to around 24 centres, with more to come. We have worked with His Excellency to provide equipment for the storage of vaccines and essential medicines.
“Currently, around 237 primary care centers are receiving basic healthcare provision funds from the third quarter. We are adding another 249 centres, which will now receive quarterly funds directly from the NPHCDA – ₦600,000 for low-volume centers and ₦800,000 for high-volume centres. This will help them pay for utilities, hire ad hoc workers and meet other operational needs.”
Newslodge