Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo's Achievements in health sector

 Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo's Achievements In The Health Sector 

WRITER: HABIBATU SHUAIBU ONAKPA ABDALLAH

Habibatu Shuaibu Onakpa Abdallah  examines the achievements of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in the last two years in the health sector.

There's no doubt in the fact that the wealth of a nation is to a large extent, determined by the health status of its people.

This justifies the saying that "a healthy nation is a wealthy nation," a reason why several nations of the world earmark reasonable percentage of their budgets to the health sector.

The Nigerian situation is not different as the nation has before now, made concerted efforts at ensuring effective and efficient health care delivery system at all levels.

In Kogi State, the health sector has witnessed a significant transformation under successive administrations, but under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, notable improvement in health care infrastructure, service delivery and policies have been recorded.

Before Governor Ododo's assumption of office, the State faced major health challenges, including inadequate health care facilities with almost non functional Primary Health Care Centres (PHC).

Also, the State had experienced poor remuneration for health workers, lack of essential medical equipment and supplies, inadequate manpower, especially in rural areas, inadequate drug supplies, making it difficult for patients to access necessary medication.

These Challenges no doubt have hindered the State from meeting global standards due to inadequate monitoring and evaluation of health care workers. 

One major challenge affecting the State Health sector before now is implementation of seventy percent of the health budget in urban areas where only thirty percent of the population resides.

These challenges necessitated the need for improved health care infrastructure, increased access to quality health care services and better health outcomes for the people of kogi state.

The Initiatives of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo have significantly improved health care outcomes in Kogi State in the last two years.

This is because the Governor took some practical steps which include the revitalisation of eighty Primary Health Care centres across the twenty one Local Government Areas which obviously, has enhanced access to quality health care especially in rural communities, providing twenty four hour health care services. 

Consequently, the measure has improved maternal and infant health and increased access to health care across board, not leaving or ignoring any segment of the population.

The State in its bid to addressing the manpower shortage in the health sector, supported Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba for its MBBS program and the Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara.

The Ododo led administration has in the last two years unveiled quality health care services for the people, through the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme initiated by his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Bello's administration.

With the Agency, thousands of orphans, Civil Servants at the State and Local Government levels, pensioners, students of State owned Tertiary Institutions and Ex Service Men have been enrolled in the State Health Insurance programme.

It is equally worthy to note that Governor Ododo's administration recently implemented a three hundred thousand naira allowance for medical Doctors in the payroll of the State Government and as well, plan to build Doctors quarters in strategic locations.

His administration has also sustained partnership with Development Organisations like world Health Organisation, WHO, UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Health among others, all in a bid to improve health care delivery.

Also, under the present administration, the one hundred percent implementation of hazard allowance for Doctors and other health workers in Kogi State, an achievement which seemed to be impossible for years was made possible through the Governor's political will, sincerity of purpose and commitment to genuine course in governance.

Today, it is evident that health workers are in a good mood, showing greater commitment to duty and playing their parts to accelerate the growth and development of Kogi State.

In order to attain total success, the Governor has emphasized the importance of community ownership and stakeholders engagement, calling on traditional institution, religious leaders and local communities to play active roles in sustaining the progress made so far.

This prompted the State government to began plans to institutionalize maintenance culture and accountability framework at the grassroots level to ensure the longevity of the revitalised health care facilities.

At this juncture, there's no gainsay in the fact that Governor Ododo has done well in the Health sector and it is advisable that the State government can do more with more training and capacity building for health personnel to enhance their skills, productivity and promote best health care practices.

By doing these, accepting innovations and heeding constructive criticisms, the Governor would have written his name in gold at the end of his tenure in Kogi State.

ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF GOVERNOR AHMED USMAN ODODO IN THE HEALTH SECTOR WAS WRITTEN BY HABIBATU SHUAIBU ONAKPA ABDALLAH