Kogi Healthcare Revamp: Govt broadens access to medical services

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Kogi State Government has expanded its health insurance scheme to capture more citizens, aiming to reduce poverty and provide access to affordable, quality healthcare services.

The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who made the disclosure in a press statement on Tuesday that the government is also investing in medical education and infrastructure, including the construction of hostels, doctors’ quarters, and medical laboratory complexes

Stressing that the policy is designed to reduce poverty by cutting down what families spend on medical care, while also giving them access to affordable and quality health services.

Fanwo stated, “Health insurance is one of the most effective ways of lifting people out of medical poverty. By bringing our people into the scheme, we’re not just making healthcare accessible; the governor is also showing that the government cares about the well-being of the people.”

The information commissioner noted, noted that beyond health insurance, the state government is also investing massively in medical education and infrastructure to train a new generation of healthcare professionals in the state’s tertiary health institutions.

“At the College of Science, Technology and Health (CUSTECH-TH), Okene, construction is ongoing on two blocks of student hostels for both male and female medical students, as well as two blocks of doctors’ quarters. Similarly, at the Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital (PAAUTH), Anyigba, work has commenced on a multi-purpose medical laboratory complex, classrooms, a library, and consultants’ blocks.

“In Lokoja, the state government has approved the construction of House Officers’ Quarters at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH) to improve training and welfare for young doctors.

“To strengthen healthcare delivery across all levels, the government has also embarked on the massive production and distribution of Health Data Tools (NHMIS Data Tools) for Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), as well as secondary and tertiary health facilities. This will guarantee adequate capturing of service data into the national platform (DHIS2), in line with best practices,” he said.

The commissioner added that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, is determined to consolidate on existing gains by investing in people, structures, and systems that will make healthcare in Kogi State both sustainable and people-centered.