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By Cosmas Omegoh
The Plateau State government is to partner faith-based organisations to enable the residents to have access to adequate healthcare irrespective of where they reside.
The governor of the state, Simon Lalong, gave this indication when he received the Secretary/Executive Director, Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN), Mr Michael Idah, at Government House, Rayfield, Jos, while on a courtesy visit.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Professor Sonni Tyoden, appreciated faith-based organisations for complementing government’s effort at providing affordable healthcare services to the people especially those at the grassroots.
Lalong further lauded CHAN for the accolades it had showered on his administration for the pragmatic steps it had taken through enacting and implementing policies that enable citizens access to affordable health care.
The governor, while calling on other organisations to emulate CHAN, directed the Commissioner for Health to liaise with the group to articulate areas of partnership for successful implementation.
Mr Idah who gave an overview of the organisation, said that it was established in 1973 to connect churches to sponsor programmes aimed at delivering qualitative health care to Nigerian citizens.
Idah noted that the organisation which has its headquarters in Jos, is operating in all the states of the federal except Kebbi.
Mr Idah said they were at Government House on an advocacy visit and to dialogue with the government with the aim of strengthening partnership on health-related interventions.
Idah stressed that CHAN promotes health services within the national policy framework by complementing what the government does.
He commended the Plateau State government’s passion at ensuring universal healthcare coverage, pointing out that the health insurance policy of the state government is the first and the best health care services initiative among states in the country.
Idah also lauded Governor Lalong’s effort and zeal at combating the Covid-19 pandemic through the pragmatic steps taken while the severity of the disease lasted.
He further disclosed that though the organisation had over the years enjoyed some degree of partnership, the government should provide a workable framework that would incorporate faith-based organisations into planning and implementation of health interventions in the state.
