Kogi commissions 80 rebuilt PHCs, takes delivery of medical equipment from FG

By Richard Elesho/Kogi

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in conjunction with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), has handed over health equipment and commodities to the Kogi state government. The event took place on Friday at Lugard House, Lokoja.

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, who handed over the equipment, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s efforts in ensuring quality healthcare service delivery in the state.

“Today, we are also handing over a stock of PHC equipment that will be distributed to about 24 facilities initially, with more to come. We’ve worked with His Excellency to provide equipment for vaccine storage and essential medicines.

“Currently, about 237 PHCs receive basic healthcare provision funds from the third quarter. We’re adding another 249 facilities, which will now receive quarterly funds directly from the NPHCDA—₦600,000 for low-volume facilities and ₦800,000 for high-volume ones. This will help them pay for utilities, hire ad hoc workers, and cover other operational needs,” Dr. Aina said.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of 80 revitalized primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the state the governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast dedication to the transformation of the health sector in Nigeria.

He stated that Mr. President has devoted enormous resources to primary healthcare as a key instrument for bringing quality medical services to the doorsteps of the rural poor.

Ododo described the commissioning of eighty revitalized primary healthcare centres across Kogi State under the World Bank IMPACT Project and the NPHCDA as a monumental achievement.

“We are not just opening facilities; we are building healthier communities,” Gov. Ododo added.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Adeiza Abdulazeez, expressed gratitude to the World Bank, NPHCDA, and other partners for their complementary roles and support in improving healthcare delivery in Kogi state.

Dr. Abdulazeez, who assured of quality healthcare service delivery at the PHCs, urged the health workers to make the best use of the medical equipment and facilities in their various facilities.

Executive Director of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muazu Musa said the commissioning of revitalized PHCs was a testament to the revolution of primary health care with a sense of responsibility, accountability, and reward system.

“Today, we are commissioning 80 Primary Health Centers, revitalized and taken from level 1 to level 2 as first phase using PHC Old Market, Lokoja as a prototype. This means in the nearby future, phase 2 of these facilities will also be commissioned. Many thanks to the support from the world Bank assisted project – the IMPACT project and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for making this possible.

“These facilities now have a staff quarters to ensure 24 hours service, borehole for steady water supply, solar for uninterrupted power, parameter fencing to secure the service provision environment and then a security post.

“By the grace of God, maternal, infant and child mortality will be brought to its barest minimum as timely interventions are closely than ever before.”