Reps hail Kogi’s drive to strengthen primary healthcare
House Committee Chairman on Health Services, Mr Amos Magaji (5L; Kogi Deputy Gov., Mr Joel Salifu (5r); Kogi Commissioner for Health, Dr Adams Abdulazeez (4r); and other officials during the oversight visit of House Reps to Kogi
The House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services has commended the Kogi Government’s efforts to revitalise and reposition primary healthcare in the state. The committee, led by Chairman Mr. Amos Magaji, gave the commendation on Monday in Lokoja during an oversight visit to the state.
During the visit, the committee inspected newly constructed and upgraded Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Kogi. According to Magaji, the oversight is aimed at evaluating the utilisation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) in the state.
Magaji stressed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving quality healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots level. He noted that the BHCPF is a vital initiative to expand access to primary healthcare, especially for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Magaji applauded the governor for introducing a one-year upfront insurance policy for citizens, promoting Universal Health Coverage. He also commended improvements in Kogi’s annual health budget but observed that it still falls below the Abuja Declaration benchmark of 15 percent.
He urged the government to increase its health allocation and ensure timely fund releases to support the sector. Magaji further recommended employing more healthcare workers as permanent staff to strengthen human resource capacity.
He also called for sustained counterpart funding for healthcare programmes, and judicious utilisation of the BHCPF for designated purposes. Magaji expressed condolences to the governor on the death of his father.
Dep. Gov. Joel Salifu, who received the team on behalf of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery. He commended President Bola Tinubu for his support and commitment to Kogi people.
Salifu assured the committee of the state’s full cooperation to enable them to discharge their duties effectively. He stressed that the oversight visit demonstrated joint commitment by federal and state governments to improving healthcare delivery in Kogi.
Earlier, Commissioner for Health Dr. Adeiza Abdulazeez said the government had upgraded PHCs statewide, improving access to healthcare services. He noted the governor approved counterpart funding worth over one billion naira for healthcare programmes in the state and reiterated government’s resolve to strengthen human resources by employing more health workers.
“Under Governor Ododo’s leadership, the state is prioritising healthcare, with major investments in primary healthcare for citizens’ benefit,” he said.
Dr. Musa Mu’azu, Executive Director of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, reaffirmed commitment to strengthening service delivery. He stressed the importance of accountability, community participation, and expanding quality healthcare access.
The oversight visit featured technical presentations on the three BHCPF Gateways: NPHCDA, Health Insurance, and NCDC/Public Health Emergency.
Presenting on NPHCDA, Dr. Bola Jonah, the State SWAp Desk Officer, highlighted infrastructure upgrades, drug supply, and strengthened PHC service delivery.
Dr. Adekunle Aledare, Executive Secretary of the State Health Insurance Agency, explained the one-year upfront insurance policy driving Universal Health Coverage.
Dr. Austin Ojotule, State Epidemiologist, outlined preparedness for disease surveillance and public health emergencies under the NCDC/Public Health Emergency Gateway.
Visited facilities included PHC Ahoko in Gegu, Kogi LGA; PHC Felele; PHC Kpata; and the State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, among others.
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