Kogi Expands Health Insurance, Invests in Medical Training and Infrastructure

By Adamu Aliyu Aliyu/ABUJA//

The Kogi State Government has reiterated its commitment to broadening access to healthcare for citizens by ensuring that more Kogites are captured under the state health insurance scheme.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said in a statement in Lokoja on Tuesday 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.

According to him, “Health insurance is one of the most effective ways of lifting people out of medical poverty. By bringing our people into the scheme, we are not just making healthcare accessible; the Governor is also showing that the Government cares about the well-being of the people.”

Fanwo disclosed 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.

Fanwo added that the Governor, Alhaji 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.