Akeredolu, wonderful strides in the health sector
The Akeredolu-led administration in Ondo State over the last few years has successfully created a niche for itself as a government which prioritizes the basic welfare and needs of its people.
Its programmes since inception have been strategically placed and positioned to positively add value, give comfort, and proffer a holistic development of the people, and it’s such a pleasing development to acknowledge the fact that there is more to show for the contributions of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to the growth of the State.
While his contributions have been all-round ones, it is worthwhile to acknowledge his immense contributions to the improvement of a qualitative health care delivery system in Ondo State.
It is one that was tailored to be spread across the 18 local government areas of the state, giving the people of the Sunshine State a better shot at getting qualitative health care service delivery without less stress or trouble.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The world body also conceives health as the ability of a biological system to acquire, convert, allocate, distribute, and utilise energy with maximum efficiency.
Armed with the above definitions, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu rolled up his sleeves to introduce pragmatic policies and initiatives with the sole purpose of building a strong healthcare system aimed at promoting the general wellbeing of the people of Ondo State, as well as serving as the foundation for the all-round development of the state.
Because of his belief in the faultless, agelong maxim that “health is wealth,” the governor has broken down the barriers that had hitherto drawn back the progress of the Sunshine State to create a virile platform for comprehensive development, physical growth, and social security for the entire state.
In Ondo state, however, the administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, is ensuring that the state sets the pace in the provision of standard and qualitative healthcare to the people in line with her REDEEMED agenda for the health sector.
Following his assumption of office in 2017, the Akeredolu-led administration developed a Laboratory Strategic Workplan, which eventually led to the construction of the first 18 standard laboratories in the state PHC facilities and the constitution of a state laboratory monitoring team at the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency. This was followed by the distribution of medical equipment for the management of newborns and their mothers.
It is on record that the Akeredolu-led administration employed the highest number of human resources for health in the history of PHC in Ondo State, while more than 300 health centres were renovated.
Currently, the PHC system in Ondo State has become a reference point for other states in the country to the extent that several states are visiting Ondo State to understudy the PHC system for knowledge transfer towards strengthening their PHC systems.
His commitment to ensuring qualitative health care service delivery has seen him go the extra mile in achieving this.
The recent was the unveiling and distribution of multi-million naira equipment to PHCs in the 18 LGAs. This is a further testament to the commitment of the Governor to the realization of a qualitative and sustainable PHC in the state.
The high-quality digital ultrasound scanning machines with in-built printers will not only improve early detection of feto-maternal abnormalities in pregnancy, but will also help to build clients’ trust, increase PHC facility utilization and ultimately reduce maternal and perinatal mortality.
The training and capacity building for health workers in various PHC service areas will now be seamless with these multi-function coloured photocopiers and the availability of petrol generators for powering the equipment.
The contributions of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.SAN to boosting primary health care delivery in Ondo State must be highly commended.
In light of the various economic challenges facing the global community, he has refused to let this affect his mandate or stop him from doing right by the people.
Drawing from the words of the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu, he stated during his speech at the official unveiling and distribution of these items:
“This administration’s passion for the upliftment and realization of a sustainable PHC is unparalleled and unprecedented in the history of PHC in Ondo State and in Nigeria as a whole.
” It is therefore not surprising that this administration has again provided another set of life-saving equipment for distribution to PHCs in the 18 LGAs.
“This equipment includes: 18 high-quality digital ultrasound scanning machines with in-built printers; 18 high-tech multi-function coloured photocopy machines; and 18 petrol (6.8kva) generators for each LGA.
” The Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency leveraged on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to make these available. “
Akeredolu no doubt has already created a legacy, one to be proud of, and he is not relenting on his achievements.” It’s a delight to have a leader who is so much interested in using his all to ensure that the welfare and interests of the people are protected.
No doubt, the state is lucky to have a man like him at the helm of its affairs.