Akeredolu Reforms: Ondo Shines at NFF Leadership for P HCS, Wins $500,000 Cash Prize
The conscious and intentional efforts of the Ondo State Government led by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN within the health sector have continued to yield good dividends and nation-wide applause.
The success of his health reforms was brought to the fore at the Nigerian Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge as the state emerged as the winner in the Southwest, clinching the sum of $500,000.
The Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Fund is a prominent initiative of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) aimed at revitalising the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy in Nigeria. The programme seeks to optimise the dedication of state governors to advancing a gradual augmentation in PHC financing as well as guaranteeing that all primary healthcare facilities possess the necessary human resource proficiency.
The Challenge is a collaborative initiative involving the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the Dangote Foundation, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA).
It would also be recalled that the State won the best in Vaccine Cold Chain Management system in Nigeria among 36 States and FCT in an Award given to Ondo State in an event in Kano on 27th April, 2023 by Rotary International, member of National Polio Eradication Initiative in Nigeria.
While we celebrate these laudable strides, it’s important that we appreciate the relentless efforts of the executive governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, who has ensured that his administration prioritises the health care sector in the state.
Under his watch, the sector has gone from strength to strength. The Mother and Child Hospitals were only two before his administration came on board; now the hospitals have been extended to seven across the three senatorial districts of the state by his government.
Also, the University of Medical Sciences had no accredited courses until his administration facilitated the accreditation of many courses in the institution. There was a dearth of equipment in the various hospitals in the state before his government intervened.
His administration also constructed 250-bed facilities, both at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospitals (UNIMEDTH) in Akure and Ondo towns, respectively.
It is worthy to note that health workers, including doctors and nurses, have been employed by the Hospital Management Board, UNIMEDTH, and the Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Another significant contribution of his administration was the establishment of the Contributory Health Insurance Commission, among other achievements that are well known to most of our health sector practitioners in the state.
Among other significant contributions and achievements, the health sector in Ondo State continues to make giant strides, making it not just one of the most thriving sectors in the state but also a reference point for other states of the federation.