Plateau Health Commissioner Visits PLASCHEMA’s New Facility, Commends Progress and Innovation

On Monday, 23rd March 2026, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, paid an official visit to the newly established office complex of the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency in Plateau State. The Commissioner was warmly received by the Director General, Dr. Solomon Kwande, alongside members of the agency’s management team.

The visit formed part of the Commissioner’s efforts to familiarize himself with the agency’s new operational environment, congratulate the leadership on recent progress, and interact with staff. During the tour, Dr. Kwande personally guided the Commissioner around the facility, showcasing its key infrastructure and operational units.

In his remarks, Dr. Baamlong commended the agency for its strides in strengthening healthcare delivery in the state. He congratulated the Director General on his appointment and acknowledged the commitment of staff toward advancing the agency’s mandate. The Commissioner also expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, for his continued support of healthcare initiatives, particularly the Contributory Health Insurance Scheme. He encouraged staff to remain committed and to support the leadership of the agency to ensure optimal performance. Furthermore, he called on members of the press to actively highlight ongoing healthcare interventions in the state and urged citizens to report any challenges encountered within the healthcare system to the Ministry for prompt attention and improvement.

In his welcome address, Dr. Kwande expressed deep appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for the visit and to the state government for its unwavering support. He noted that the relocation to the new office formerly marks a significant milestone for the agency, as it consolidates previously scattered offices into a single, coordinated workspace.

According to him, the agency previously operated from three separate locations, which posed challenges for both administrative and operational coordination. The new unified facility is expected to enhance efficiency, improve communication, and strengthen overall service delivery. Dr. Kwande further highlighted several modern features of the new complex, including a solar-powered energy system, which underscores the agency’s commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. The facility is also equipped with reliable internet connectivity, enabling seamless workflow and supporting the agency’s ongoing efforts toward full digital automation of its processes. He revealed that PLASCHEMA has already begun piloting its automation initiative across selected facilities and is on track to achieve full system-wide implementation by mid-year.

Additionally, the installation of a biometric attendance system will improve staff monitoring and enhance productivity. While acknowledging that minor adjustments are still ongoing, Dr. Kwande expressed satisfaction with the level of completion, estimating the facility to be about 90–95% operational. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to utilizing the support received from the government to expand healthcare coverage and ensure that even the most remote communities in Plateau State benefit from accessible and quality healthcare services.

The visit concluded on a positive note, reinforcing the shared commitment between the Ministry of Health and PLASCHEMA to strengthen healthcare delivery systems and achieve universal health coverage across the state.