…NAGGMDP Hails Improved Health Care Services In Kogi
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoj
The Kogi State government has said that over 102,000 residents have received first dose of COVID-19 vaccines during the initial rounds of vaccination in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Saka Audu, disclosed this at the flag-off of ”Kogi State COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Campaign”, in Lokoja over the weekend.
Audu thanked Gov. Yahaya Bello, for ensuring the arrival and availability of the vaccines in the state without denying anyone from taking the jab if they so wished.
He assured that the state government would continue to provide the required avenue for all the eligible citizens of the state to have access to the free, safe and effective vaccines.
Represented by Dr Francis Akpa, Director Public Health of the ministry, the commissioner warned that the vaccines had not come to replace adherence to non pharmaceutical preventive measures already in place.
”We must ensure we wear our facemasks, maintain physical distancing and regular hand washing at all times.
”Let me re-assure you that we will not relent in our drive to ensure that Kogi remains free of COVID-19 disease”, he said.
Earlier, the Executive Director, Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr Abubakar Yakubu, said the mass vaccination campaign was the initiative of the National PHCDA in collaboration with State Governments and partners.
According to him, the campaign is to increase access and utilisation of COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria with expansion to all public and private health facilities, markets, public places, parks, malls, among others.
Yakubu disclosed that Kogi had so far received a total of 220, 278 doses of AZ vaccine, and a total of 50,302 doses of Moderna vaccine.
He explained that 72,812 residents had received first dose of AZ vaccine, while a total of 35,647 residents had received second dose.
He added that 29,690 residents have been vaccinated with first dose of Moderna vaccine, while 14, 022 vaccinated with 2nd dose.
He said that a grand total of 102,502 residents had been vaccinated with first dose for both AZ and Moderna vaccines, while 49,699 residents had received second dose for both vaccines.
He noted that the percentage coverage of fully immunised for second dose was 48 per cent in the state.
He, therefore urged residents who had taken the complete doses to encouraged their families and associates to do same, so they could together curb the spread of the disease.
The executive director debunked the fears of many over the COVID-19 vaccines, reiterating that the vaccine was safe, effective and reduce the risk of severe illness.
”All COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria have been duly approved by World Health Organisation (WHO), tested and certified by NAFDAC as safe and effective against the virus.
”We make bold to say that in Kogi State, no serious adverse effect (AEFI) or hospitalisation has been recorded following the administration of COVID-19 vaccine, and we give glory to God.
”As directed by the governor, we are not forcing anyone to take the COVID-19 vaccine, and nobody should prevent anyone from taking it ,” he said
Yakubu thanked the Governor for approving the receipt of vaccines in the state in spite all odds, and not denied anyone from taking the jabs if they so wish..
On his parts, Pharm. Ken Adejoh, the State Coordinator of WHO, congratulated Kogi for the launching of the mass vaccination campaign.
Adejoh stressed that the vaccine remained safe and effective, saying over 4 billion people close to 60 per cent of the world population have taken it.
He, therefore encouraged everybody to get vaccinated, saying WHO has confirmed that it is safe for use.
Hon. Isa Umar, Chairman House Committee on Health, Kogi Assembly, flagged off the mass vaccination on behalf of the governor.
Umar thanked the governor for taking a proactive steps in alleviating the fear of COVID-19 in the state.
The stakeholders who spoke at the event include: NMA, NPHCDA, CAN, JNI, traditional rulers, CPI, among others.
All the stakeholders urged the people to take advantage of the COVID-19 mass vaccination and get themselves immunised.
Meanwhile, the Kogi Branch of National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), has commended the current improved health care delivery services in the state.
The association gave the commendation during its Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2021 held on Thursday Lokoja.
Dr. Agbana Emmanuel in a paper presentation on the Theme of the Conference: ”Kogi State Health System Strengthen: Where Are We?”, maintained that Kogi is currently doing well in its health care delivery services.
The Guest speaker praised the State Government’s approval of full COMMESS for all medical doctors under it services describing the development as a positive boost to stabilise the health sector in the state.
According Dr. Agbana Emmanuel “Kogi state presently has four tertiary health facilities of which three are owned by the state and one by the federal government, embarked on expansion of existing health institutions and upgrading of Specialist Hospitals”
Dr. Agbana Emmanuel who said that the Theme of this year’s Annual General Meeting is aimed at evaluating Kogi Health System, input, process and out put so far, disclosed that the state at the moment has 4,216 health workers of which 69 are in the category of medical officers, 9 consultants and 2012 registered nurses.
“Right now Kogi has 838 functional primary health facilities, 54 secondary health facilities and 1,144 private registered health facilities” he further disclosed.
On his parts, the State Chairman of NAGGMDP, Dr. Okaungbowa Osaretin Kelvin, in a welcome address, said that the AGM of the association is an annual ritual where professionals in the Government medical outfits gather to brain storm on the success, challenges and way forward in the practice.
He said that the new leadership of the association in Kogi had made significant and verifiable strides within one year in office.
He acknowledged the support and encouragement by members and the past Chairmen of the association as well as the parent body Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) to the new leadership.
Also speaking, Dr. Aledare Adekunle, the Executive Secretary, Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA), also in a paper presentation titled: ”Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme: The Journey So Far,” urged states, local governments, corporate organisations and individuals to key into the scheme inview of its importance in the health needs of the people.
Dr. Adekunle while speaking on the gains of insurance scheme, advocated for mandatory insurance scheme for all Nigerians.
The Chief Medical Director of the Kogi Hospital Management Board, Dr.Zakari Usman who also spoke at the event, assured that the state government will continue to accord health sector topmost priority.
He thanked the Kogi Branch of NAGGMDP for its efforts to support government in its task to address the health needs of the people.
The Kogi State Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Omakoji Simeon Oyiguh in his speech, appealed to governments at all levels and Nigerians to be weary of the rising insecurity across the country.
He called for joint efforts in the fight against insecurity that has rendered innocent citizens killed.
He commended the state government for its determined efforts to secure their lives and boost their health needs.
High point of the ceremony was presentation of Awards to deserving doctors for making their marks in their professional callings.
