Kogi State Upgrades Healthcare Centres in Every LGA

The Chief Medical Director of Kogi Hospitals Management Board, Ayo Olayemi, says that fixing up Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state is helping to make healthcare better and safer for patients.

Mr Olayemi shared this during a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lokoja. This was to mark World Patient Safety Day, which is celebrated every year on 17 September.

He explained that Governor Ahmed Ododo has renovated three PHCs in each of the 21 Local Government Areas, making a total of 63 renovated centres.

Mr Olayemi also mentioned that the government has built seven new PHCs in busy areas that used to depend on just one facility for their healthcare needs. He said these efforts are meant to help people access better healthcare and create safer spaces for patients needing medical help.

"The primary healthcare system in the state is being strengthened," he said. He added that having good facilities could help with quick diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for patients.

But Mr Olayemi pointed out that the health sector faces a big challenge with human resources. He is hopeful that things will get better with ongoing government support.

"Human resources is a challenge," he said. He is confident that the situation will improve soon as plans are in place to tackle the shortage.

The chief medical director stressed that patients need to know their rights and should speak up whenever they have doubts about their treatment or suspect mistakes in their healthcare.

"As a patient, you have a right," he said. He encouraged patients to ask about their diagnosis, the medicines they are given, possible side effects, and other treatment options.

He noted that medical mistakes can happen at different points in healthcare delivery. This includes diagnosis, lab tests, prescriptions, and treatment. Both healthcare providers and patients need to be alert.

Mr Olayemi gave an example of medication errors, saying patients should ask questions if the medicines or dosages they receive do not match what their doctors prescribed.

He said that healthcare facilities in Kogi have complaint systems where patients can report suspected errors, worries, and issues they face while receiving care.

He urged patients to use the Servicom system or talk to the chief medical director of the facilities where they are getting treatment to seek help.

According to him, complaints should not just be collected but reviewed to spot weaknesses, fix gaps, and enhance healthcare services at all facilities.

World Patient Safety Day was set up by the World Health Assembly in 2019. It is observed every year to raise awareness and encourage action on patient safety worldwide.

The theme for 2026 is "Safe care for non-communicable diseases," with the slogan "Safe care for life!" This focuses on providing safer treatments for people living with long-term health issues.

Mr Olayemi believes that improving primary healthcare, boosting infrastructure, and filling human resource gaps are key steps to ensuring safer healthcare services for patients in Kogi.

He is hopeful that the ongoing commitment from the government and the hard work of healthcare workers will enhance healthcare delivery and change the current situation in the state.