By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Government House, Lokoja
In a bold move to stem the tide of brain drain in the state’s healthcare sector, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has announced a special monthly intervention allowance of N300,000 for every medical doctor in the state civil service. This groundbreaking initiative aims to curb the exodus of medical doctors and other health workers from the state, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “japa syndrome.”
Governor Ododo made the announcement during the official flag-off of access-to-care coverage for over 76,000 residents under the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme. The governor also rolled out a free healthcare insurance package for pensioners, Local Government Workers and Students .
The scheme will provide health insurance coverage to 28,056 local government civil servants, 3,429 pensioners, and 44,760 students under the TISHIP program.
The Director-General of the Kogi Pension Commission, Hajia Maryam Abedo, described the free health insurance initiative for pensioners as “unprecedented” and a huge relief to retirees who often struggle with high medical costs. Representatives of development partners, including WHO, praised the enabling environment provided by the state government, which has allowed for deeper collaboration in the health sector.
The Governor’s initiatives demonstrate his commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Kogi State. With the launch of the Access to Care program and the commissioning of healthcare equipment, the state is poised to experience significant improvements in healthcare outcomes, ultimately enhancing the well-being of its citizens.