From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi Branch of National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), has commended the current improved health care delivery services in the state.
The association gave the commendation during its Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2021 held on Thursday Lokoja.
Dr. Agbana Emmanuel in a paper presentation on the Theme of the Conference: ”Kogi State Health System Strengthen: Where Are We?”, maintained that Kogi is currently doing well in its health care delivery services.
The Guest speaker praised the State Government’s approval of full COMMESS for all medical doctors under it services describing the development as a positive boost to stabilise the health sector in the state.
According Dr. Agbana Emmanuel “Kogi state presently has four tertiary health facilities of which three are owned by the state and one by the federal government, embarked on expansion of existing health institutions and upgrading of Specialist Hospitals”
Dr. Agbana Emmanuel who said that the Theme of this year’s Annual General Meeting is aimed at evaluating Kogi Health System, input, process and out put so far, disclosed that the state at the moment has 4,216 health workers of which 69 are in the category of medical officers, 9 consultants and 2012 registered nurses.
“Right now Kogi has 838 functional primary health facilities, 54 secondary health facilities and 1,144 private registered health facilities” he further disclosed.
On his parts, the State Chairman of NAGGMDP, Dr. Okaungbowa Osaretin Kelvin, in a welcome address, said that the AGM of the association is an annual ritual where professionals in the Government medical outfits gather to brain storm on the success, challenges and way forward in the practice.
He said that the new leadership of the association in Kogi had made significant and verifiable strides within one year in office.
He acknowledged the support and encouragement by members and the past Chairmen of the association as well as the parent body Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) to the new leadership.
The NAGGMDP Chairman appealed to government to employ more doctors as the few available once are already over worked, and also called for organising leadership training for the medical officers.
Also speaking, Dr. Aledare Adekunle, the Executive Secretary, Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA), also in a paper presentation titled: ”Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme: The Journey So Far,” urged states, local governments, corporate organisations and individuals to key into the scheme inview of its importance in the health needs of the people.
Dr. Adekunle while speaking on the gains of insurance scheme, advocated for mandatory insurance scheme for all Nigerians.
In his words” Health Insurance Scheme helps to reduce user fees, helps to share risk between insured and the insurer, helps to provide financial risk protection to citizens and helps to strengthen the health system as a major driver of Universal Health Coverage”
He noted that Health Insurance Scheme was created in Nigeria in 1999 and Kogi State in 2019, a feat targeted at providing Social Health Insurance for all Nigerians.
He disclosed that so far his Agency has been able to embark on deployment of staff to administer the scheme in Kogi state, capacity building for staff on Universal Health Coverage, development of operational guide lines, accreditation of 50 Secondary Health Care facilities and 236 Primary Health Care facilities for service provision.
The Chief Medical Director of the Kogi Hospital Management Board, Dr.Zakari Usman who also spoke at the event, assured that the state government will continue to accord health sector topmost priority.
He thanked the Kogi Branch of NAGGMDP for its efforts to support government in its task to address the health needs of the people.
The Kogi State Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Omakoji Simeon Oyiguh in his speech, appealed to governments at all levels and Nigerians to be weary of the rising insecurity across the country.
He called for joint efforts in the fight against insecurity that has rendered innocent citizens killed.
He commended the state government for its determined efforts to secure their lives and boost their health needs.
High point of the ceremony was presentation of Awards to deserving doctors for making their marks in their professional callings.