By Dorothy Laruba Onoja,
The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to improving primary healthcare services.
Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, the Commissioner for Health in Kogi State, expressed this commitment during a visit from members of the Kogi State Partners Forum of Health and various development partners at his office in Lokoja.
Dr. Abdulazeez commended the forum for their support in advancing the state’s healthcare system, emphasizing the significance of their contributions.
He urged the forum to continue their support, highlighting that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododos’ administration will prioritize the development of primary healthcare.
The commissioner noted that while the previous administration focused on secondary and tertiary healthcare, the current administration will build upon these foundations to strengthen the primary healthcare system for the benefit of the state’s residents.
Dr. Abdulazeez also emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing human resources and healthcare infrastructure.
He revealed plans to attract more doctors and healthcare professionals to the state, particularly by offering sponsorship to medical students at Prince Abubàkar Audu University in Anyigba, with the agreement that they will serve the state upon graduation.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the construction of a clinical complex at the new University in Osara, which will house the state’s first-year medical school, is nearing completion, adding that there are plans to transform the Reference Hospital in Okene into a Teaching Hospital.
Dr. Abdulazeez stressed the importance of development partners in the success of healthcare development efforts and assured that the Ministry is committed to coordinating all healthcare services effectively.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Segun Isaac Barnabas, the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, expressed his appreciation for the support received and encouraged the attendees to continue their efforts without wavering.
Dr. Raji Muktar, the Kogi State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), also addressed the gathering, highlighting the remarkable achievements made by the state in health indicators for 2023.
Dr. Raji emphasized the significant progress made in maternal health, with an increase in antenatal care visits and the availability of preventable treatments.
Furthermore, he noted notable advancements in child health initiatives, such as deworming and vitamin supplementation.
Looking ahead to 2024, Dr. Raji outlined areas identified by WHO for improvement, including the establishment of a state task force on immunization and primary healthcare systems. Despite these achievements, challenges persist, particularly in fully implementing primary healthcare under one roof.
Mr. Adeye Steven Olumide, the Kogi State UNICEF facilitator, added to the discussion by highlighting UNICEF’s substantial contributions in routine immunization and vaccine logistics.
Additionally, representatives from various development partners, including Malaria, CIHP, AHF Nigeria, Save the Children International, and national and state primary healthcare, presented their work reviews and shared the challenges they face.