Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, is set to launch a pioneering healthcare programme aimed at delivering free medical services to residents across the state.
This announcement was made during a meeting with members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and other healthcare professionals at the Government House in Lokoja.
The gathering followed a successful three-day medical outreach conducted by healthcare professionals under the NMA in Kogi State.
During the meeting, Governor Ododo expressed his gratitude to the medical professionals for their efforts and reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access.
He revealed that the forthcoming healthcare initiative, known as the flagship health train, will deploy a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to various parts of the state. This initiative is designed to bolster both secondary and primary healthcare services.
Governor Ododo emphasized that this initiative aligns with his campaign pledge to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for the people of Kogi State. He stressed that the health sector remains a top priority for his administration, with ongoing investments to support these goals.
A statement issued by Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, quoted Ododo as saying, “a healthy society is a wealthy society. I will continue to support this initiative and ensure that the free medical outreach is extended to all parts of the state. I am committed to making this program a cornerstone of our healthcare agenda, ensuring that our people have access to affordable and quality medical services.”
Governor Ododo also called on medical practitioners in the state to maintain their support for the administration and to expand their collaboration with the government through the state Ministry of Health.
Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, the state’s Commissioner for Health, praised the medical team for the successful outreach, describing it as a testament to the dedication of healthcare professionals in Kogi State. He also commended Governor Ododo for prioritizing the welfare of healthcare workers and creating an environment conducive to the delivery of quality medical services.
Dr. David Aimila, Chairman of the Committee of Past Chairmen of the NMA in Kogi State, lauded the initiative, calling it a high-impact intervention that has achieved unprecedented outcomes in various medical fields. He acknowledged the supportive environment provided by the state government under Governor Ododo’s leadership.
Professor Solomon Avidime, Chief Medical Director of Reference Hospital Okene and host of the medical team, expressed the hospital’s readiness to host more such medical missions. He highlighted the significance of the free medical outreach in complementing the state’s free health insurance policy, thereby bridging gaps in healthcare coverage across Kogi State.
