The Kogi State Government has officially flagged off a significant health insurance intervention, providing access to care for over 76,000 enrollees. This comprehensive initiative also includes the distribution of essential equipment and 62,000 direct solar refrigerators, spearheaded by the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KSPHDA). The flag-off ceremony, held at the Government House in Lokoja, was a collaborative effort by the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KSHIA), KSPHDA, and the coordinating State Ministry of Health.

Governor Usman Ododo reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to the welfare of the state's populace. He highlighted the extensive upgrades to all Primary Healthcare Centres, designed to bring quality healthcare service delivery closer to the residents in rural areas. During the ceremony, the Governor assured citizens of his government's continuous efforts to provide opportunities that guarantee access to quality healthcare.

Governor Ododo expressed pride in Kogi State joining the global health insurance scheme, specifically aimed at protecting the health of the less privileged. He strongly encouraged all citizens—whether as individuals, families, or groups—to take advantage of this opportunity by registering with the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency.

Further elaborating on the scheme, Governor Ododo announced specific provisions for pensioners: those earning below N50,000 monthly will enjoy free health insurance. Pensioners receiving between N50,000 and N99,999 monthly will contribute N650, while those earning N100,000 and above will contribute N1,250 towards their insurance, designed to alleviate their financial burden. Additionally, the administration has ordered the commencement of the MBBS program at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) Anyigba, a program that had been stalled for 12 years. To support medical professionals, the government has also begun the construction of doctors' lodges at PAAU and the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Anyigba and Osara, respectively.

Dr. Aledare Adekunle, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, commended the visionary leadership of the immediate past Governor, Yahaya Bello, for establishing the KSHIA. Dr. Adekunle also lauded the present Governor, Usman Ododo, for his significant political and financial commitments towards enhancing healthcare service delivery across the state. He provided a breakdown of the beneficiaries: 28,056 enrollees fall under the public sector employee category for local government civil servants, 3,427 are pensioners on a contributory health plan, and 44,760 students are covered under the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP), all set to benefit from this extensive health insurance scheme.