Kogi State Government has awarded contracts for the renovation;and upgrading of 88 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) spread across the 21 local government areas of the state at a cost over N7billion.
The state governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo disclosed this on Saturday in Lokoja while hand over the sites of the 88 Primary Healthcare Centres to contractors.
Governor Ododo was represented at the event which took place at the Model Primary Healthcare Centre in Felele, Lokoja by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams.
Ododo said the revitalization of the 88 Primary Healthcare Centres follows the recent approval of revitalization of over 70 Primary Healthcare Centres which are now at different stages of completion.
According to him, the approval was given by the state government in March, 2024.
When completed, he said the state will have over 150 of such institutions to functional level-2 health facilities.
The governor said the development reflects the commitment of his administration to enhance access to quality healthcare delivery across the state.
“Upgrade of primary healthcare facilities is part of the strategic plan of the Kogi State government to improve access to quality healthcare services in all parts of the state with support by the World Bank.
“As we step into the New Year 2025, we are proud to launch a groundbreaking initiative—the upgrade of 88 additional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state, complementing the ongoing upgrade of 70 PHCs to functional Level-2 facilities.
“This marks another bold step towards achieving effective healthcare delivery and universal health coverage for our people.
“With the invaluable support of the World Bank, the Kogi State Government has committed over ₦7 billion to this project, a testament to our unwavering dedication to improving the lives of our citizens,” Governor Ododo said.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership that accords utmost priority to the wellbeing of ordinary Nigerians through enhanced access to healthcare especially for people at the grassroots level.
He also acknowledged efforts by the immediate past administration of former Governor Yahaha Bello for laying a solid foundation in the health sector in the state.
He called on the contractors to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism in the execution of the projects and to ensure timely completion of all the projects within four months.
The governor also urged the contractors to engage with the local government authorities and stakeholders in the communities for inclusive approach towards social and environmental safeguards in the project implementation.
Ododo also called on the local authorities and stakeholders in all communities where the projects are located to take ownership and ensure adequate protection of personnel, equipment and the Primary Healthcare Centres when completed.
He also called for effective supervision of the projects by all relevant authorities of the government under the coordination of the state ministry of health.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
