Ogun state govt emerges runner-up in PHC leadership challenge award

The Ogun State Government has emerged runner-up for the second time at the 3rd Edition of the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Award, with a sum of $400,000.

The State Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, while receiving the award on behalf of the state government at a high-level health event organised by the Nigeria Governor’s forum in Abuja on Friday, attributed the achievement to the commitment of Governor  Dapo Abiodun, in strengthening the health sector and improving the well-being of residents.

Coker described the recognition as a strong validation of the administration’s deliberate and strategic investments in primary healthcare as the foundation for building a healthier and more productive population in Ogun State.

According to her, Governor Abiodun’s health sector reforms have focused on expanding access to quality healthcare services, particularly at the grassroots.

She noted that the rehabilitation, upgrading, and equipping of primary healthcare centres across the 20 local government areas have significantly improved service delivery, especially in maternal, newborn, and child health.

The Commissioner added that the state government has prioritised human capital development in the health sector through the recruitment and continuous training of health professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives and community health workers, to ensure efficient and patient-centred care at the primary level.

She noted that the expansion of the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme has helped to reduce out-of-pocket spending and increased access to affordable healthcare services for residents, particularly the vulnerable and underserved populations, adding that the recognition would spur the state to deepen ongoing reforms and sustain investments aimed at achieving universal health coverage.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Elijah Ogunsola described the award as a testament to strong leadership, effective coordination, and teamwork within the state’s primary healthcare system.

Ogunsola highlighted that under the current administration, the board has implemented strategic initiatives targeted at revitalising primary healthcare centres, improving disease surveillance, strengthening routine immunisation, and enhancing community engagement across the state.

The executive secretary reaffirmed the board’s commitment to sustaining the gains recorded so far, adding that efforts would be intensified to ensure that every community in Ogun State has access to functional, well-equipped and adequately staffed primary healthcare facilities.

DAILY POST reports that the PHC Leadership Challenge Award recognises states that have demonstrated innovation, accountability, and political will in strengthening primary healthcare systems nationwide.