Kogi State on Track to Achieve 2030 Universal Health Coverage Target, Says ES-KSHI Dr. Aledare Adekunle

It was on Monday that Dr. Adekunle gave an exclusive interview to Our Reporter, in which he voiced his optimism that Kogi State will be able to achieve the worldwide goal of universal health care by the year 2030. He made reference to the current condition of affairs in terms of health coverage, stating that there are currently over 167,000 people enrolled in the health insurance program in the state.

Dr. Adekunle provided an overview of the basic health plans that the Agency has in place, which include the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, the Bello Care Programme, important contributors, the formal sector, political office holders, and students attending tertiary institutions. According to him, the purpose of these steps is to make sure that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic standing, has access to high-quality medical care that is also easily accessible.

It was emphasized by the Executive Secretary that the progress that the Agency has made over the previous four years has been beneficial, and that there are plans to enroll 200,000 people per year over the next ten years. Additionally, he stated the recent approval that was granted by the Governor to enroll retirees in the health insurance program. He also mentioned that meetings are currently taking place with the State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in order to put the idea into action.

Dr. Adekunle expressed his gratitude to the administration that had just left office for launching the health insurance program, as well as for giving a waiver and free enrollment for the first three months of the program.

Dr. Aledare also extended his gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his attention to the health sector, particularly as that focus was evident in the flawless execution of the health insurance program. He stated that the government has been very constant in the payment of its contributions on a monthly basis.

“Not only is the government committed to this program, but it is also demonstrating the political will to go through with it, which is the reason why the journey is going so smoothly. Although there are challenges, of course, we are grateful to the government for its commitment up to this point,” he said.

In addition, Dr. Aledare stated that there are plans to construct offices in all of the Local Governments, as well as to have offices in hospitals, in order to make enrollment and health attention more accessible. He also issued a warning that health facilities and service providers that are proven to be ineffective will be sanctioned appropriately.