Gov Ododo commissions 80 PHCs

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commissioned 80 revitalised Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across the 21 local government areas of the state, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his heavy investment in the revitalisation of PHCs across the country.

He noted that the initiative has brought quality healthcare closer to rural communities.

Governor Ododo stated this on Friday during the commissioning of the first phase of the revitalised PHCs, a stakeholders’ engagement meeting, the State Leadership Challenge Awards to local government areas, and the handing over of health equipment and commodities in Lokoja.

The Governor, who also commissioned one of the revitalised PHCs in Lokoja on behalf of the others, said the ongoing nationwide PHC revitalisation project initiated by President Tinubu has transformed the health sector by extending services to the grassroots, giving people access to free and quality healthcare.

“In the past, rural communities had to rush their sick relatives to towns where they could access health facilities, and in most cases, due to the long distances, patients died before reaching the hospital.

“Today, that trend has been reversed as a result of massive investment in PHCs through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). We are very grateful to the President and the Agency,” he stated.

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Ododo added that his administration is following the President’s footsteps by ensuring rapid and positive development across all 21 local government areas of Kogi State.

He cautioned residents against vandalising the facilities, warning that anyone caught in the act would be brought to justice.

The Governor also announced cash rewards of ₦250,000 each to winners of the PHC Leadership Challenge across all local government areas of the state.

In addition, he approved ₦3 million, ₦2 million, and ₦5 million for the first, second, and overall best-performing LGAs respectively in each senatorial district.

Earlier, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, said the agency works with states to develop PHC services, infrastructure, and systems.

His words: “We don’t run or own the facilities, you do. Over the last year and a bit, we’ve achieved a lot together, and we plan to do even more.

“At the beginning of the year, we planned to revitalise 196 PHCs, some by the Federal Government, most by the state, and a few by our partners, but the Governor has even surpassed that target.

“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.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE