Date: 2011-11-01

In line with its commitment to improve access to quality health care, the Kwara State government is to rehabilitate 16 general hospitals in the state and construct 150 primary health centres across the state based on the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Model. The decision comes as the state governor expressed its willingness to partner with the Apollo International Hospital, India to improve access to health care in the state.

Speaking during an interaction with journalists in Ilorin, state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the proposed rehabilitation work on the hospitals would include the renovation of buildings and provision of cutting-edge equipment for each hospital. He said the first phase of the project involves the recovery and overhaul of the Ilorin general hospital from the University of Ilorin and renovation of Offa, Kaiama, Omu-Aran and Share General Hospitals at a cost of N1.6 billion naira, adding that the restoration of the remaining 12 hospitals would be phased over 3 years.

Governor Ahmed also announced plans to construct 150 primary health care centres to ensure that every ward in the state has a health facility in furtherance his administration’s target of 500 meter access to health care. These centres, he said, would be based on the National Primary Health Care Agency Model in terms of building structure and equipment. Continuing, the governor stressed that the proposed construction of the 150 primary health care centres reflects his administration’s emphasis on improving access to quality health care which he described as critical human capital development.

Meanwhile, Governor Ahmed has declared the state government’s willingness to collaborate with The Apollo International Hospital, Chinai, India, to make healthcare delivery services available to the people of the State, just as government is evolving policies that intend to be second to none in the country. Ahmed disclosed this on Tuesday when he received in audience the Apollo Medical team from India led by Mr Jithu Jose, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Ilorin. The governor, who expressed appreciation to the team for its decision to support the state government in its bid to make healthcare delivery services available to the people, urged the hospital management to assist the State in the training of medical personnel in areas that require special attention where the hospital has expertise. His words: "We have come into this administration with a clear sense of focus in critical areas that would support development and one of the critical areas we have looked at is the health service delivery system.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor,
(Media and Communication),
Government House,
Ilorin.

 01/11/2011