Governor Ododo Commences Renovation of 70 Primary Healthcare Centers in Kogi

Abigail Ayindero-Oyenibi, Okene

Kogi State Government is to embark on free distribution of drugs to public hospitals soon.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo stated this in a message to the opening of a 2-day medical outreach organized by the State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) at the Reference Hospital Okene.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner of Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, explained that government was already renovating 70 Primary Healthcare Centers across the State to enable the people have easy access to medical services at their doorsteps.

He maintained that various health initiatives, such as provision of equipment for health centers, the Bellocare and State Health Insurance Scheme, were put in place to cater for the health needs of the people and reduce out of pocket expenses on medical care.

While pointing out that the outreach was part of activities to mark Annual General Meeting of the NMA, the Governor assured that all the services to be rendered, comprising of medical and surgical interventions, will be free.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, for his presence, promising to ensure the establishment of a sick bay in his palace.

He also thanked the CMD of Reference Hospital Okene, Prof Solomon Avidime, traditional rulers front the Central Senatorial District, members of the NMA and other partners for their efforts for the program to see the light of the day.

In a remark, leader of the NMA team and one-time Chairman of the Association, Dr. David Aimila, said medical experts in different fields will be treating patients with varied ailments, carry out simple surgeries and procedures with free scanning for pregnant women.

Also speaking the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, expressed great delight at the medical outreach organized by the NMA, saying it will go a long way in lifting the burden of medical expenses on the people.

While praying God to continue to grant the Governor wisdom for good leadership, the Ohinoyi urged the people to cooperate with the organizers for a successful outreach.

On his part, the CMD of the Reference Hospital Prof Solomon Avidime who described the outreach as timely in view of the current economic reality, said it was a way of giving back to the society, and that it was fully supported by government.

Prof Avidime also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for sustaining the health programs and initiatives of former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, urging the people to take advantage of the outreach to be treated by highly skilled medical personnel.