Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, has reaffirmed the state government’s determination to build a resilient and equitable healthcare system, with a focus on expanding access and improving service delivery across rural communities.
Speaking at a two-day Joint Annual Review (JAR) meeting held at the Fox Hotel in Jos under the theme: “Strengthening Health Care through Evidence-Based Review and Joint Planning,” Dr. Ba’amlong described the event as a platform for collaboration and renewed action in addressing healthcare challenges.
Highlighting key achievements, the Commissioner reported that over 82 primary healthcare facilities are currently undergoing renovations, with plans to surpass 100 functional PHCs across Plateau.
Two of these facilities, he announced, will be upgraded to secondary-level hospitals to offer Comprehensive Emergency Maternal, Obstetric, and Newborn Care (CEMONC).
The state has also achieved 80% coverage in routine immunization, improved disease surveillance, and enhanced human resource capacity through ongoing recruitment and training.
Health financing reforms are progressing, with the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) expanding enrollment to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Dr. Ba’amlong expressed gratitude to development partners, including WHO, UNICEF, The Global Fund, APIN, NPHCDA, Red Cross, The Carter Center, CHAI, CHAN, SOLINA, and others, for ensuring efficient service delivery and enhanced system capacity across the state.
However, he acknowledged persisting challenges such as access gaps, weak health data systems, and climate-related health risks.
Outlining strategic priorities for the year ahead, the Commissioner emphasized strengthening infrastructure, advancing digital health, improving supply chains, and expanding affordable healthcare for vulnerable populations, all aligned with national strategies and the SDGs.
Dr. Ba’amlong called on all stakeholders to view the review as “a collective mission to improve lives,” expressing optimism that the outcomes of the JAR will drive more inclusive, accountable, and effective health service delivery in Plateau State.
Permanent Secretary Mr. Hosea Kelln Bitrus, in his remarks, described the JAR as a vital mechanism for transparency, shared learning, and sector-wide reflection.
He applauded frontline health workers and ministry staff for their dedication amidst resource constraints.
Contributions from the State Assembly’s House Committee on Health and development partners emphasized the importance of timely and accurate data management to support evidence-based decision-making.
Presentations from all 17 LGAs reviewed sector performance, while breakout sessions addressed thematic areas like service delivery, health governance, financing, and pandemic preparedness.
Dr. Mworinabene Sunwar led a joint planning session focusing on integrating local priorities into state-wide health strategies.
Credit: Lengmi Joshua Lumi
