Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State on Tuesday said the state would invest N7 billion as co-premium to extend subsidised community health insurance to rural dwellers in the state.
The governor made the statement when he inaugurated the newly remodeled Kaiama General Hospital in Kaiama, Kaiama Local Government Area.
Ahmed said the commissioning of the hospital was a demonstration of the commitment of his administration to equitable distribution of infrastructure across the state.
He said: “Since inception, our Shared Prosperity Programme has prioritised infrastructure development, especially the strategic provision of quality and affordable healthcare.
“Pursuant to this, we commenced the comprehensive renovation and equipping of five General Hospitals located in Ilorin, Kaiama, Offa, Omu-Aran and Share.
“Today we have come closer to the realisation of the health system of our dreams with the commissioning of the remodeled General Hospital in the ancient town of Kaiama.”
The governor said that like the other four hospitals, the hospital in Kaiama was equipped with the state-of-the-art medical facilities.
Ahmed said: “The hospital is also fortified with qualified and committed medical personnel who could compete favourably with their peers across the globe.
“This is part of our efforts to ensure access to the best medical facilities in a conducive environment and with friendly medical personnel.”
The governor said it was “heart-warming” to note that the Community Health Insurance Scheme had already been launched at the hospital.
“I have no doubt that this programme will not only promote accessibility and affordability of quality health care, but will also increase patronage and guarantee equity in health care service distribution,” he said.
Ahmed urged the residents of the area to patronise the hospital and cautioned them not to patronise quack medical personnel.
He said: “I call on the good people of Kaiama to make the best use of these facilities for their medical needs.
“You must desist from patronising quacks, who only worsen your health rather than improve it.
“In the same vein, I implore the health personnel to exhibit high sense of responsibility and professionalism in the discharge of your duties.
“It is by so doing that your clients would have absolute trust and confidence in your capacity to minister to their health needs.”
Ahmed challenged the management of the hospital to imbibe maintenance culture and sustain the aesthetic of the environment of the hospital.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Health, Malam Kayode Issa, said that the upgrading of the hospital cost the government N300 million.