Aiyedatiwa promises more qualitative primary healthcare services

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Wednesday said his administration would continue to prioritise quality primary healthcare for residents of the state.Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, gave the assurance at the First Quarter 2026 Task Force Committee meeting on primary healthcare services held in Akure.

The governor described primary healthcare as not merely a policy objective but a moral obligation in the delivery of healthcare services, particularly to women, children, the elderly and residents of rural and underserved communities.

According to him, primary healthcare is pivotal to reducing preventable deaths, improving health outcomes and achieving universal health coverage.

He said the state government had recorded significant achievements in the sector, especially in facility assessment, workforce engagement, service delivery mapping and stakeholder collaboration.

The governor added that there was a need to sustain the momentum and do more to achieve greater impact.

Aiyedatiwa said his administration remained fully committed to supporting the revitalisation of primary healthcare services in the state.

“We will continue to prioritise budgetary allocations, strengthen partnerships with the private sector and development partners, and ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of agreed actions,” he said.

The governor urged participants to engage in robust discussions during the meeting to address critical issues and propose practical solutions aligned with global best practices.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Health to the governor, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, said the state government had taken deliberate steps to reposition the health sector for the benefit of the people.

Odimayo explained that ongoing revitalisation projects and improved remuneration for health workers were aimed at motivating personnel to deliver optimal services.

He added that the state had put in place special healthcare provisions for pregnant women and children under five years, as well as an effective health insurance scheme that enables residents to access healthcare without financial hardship.

Odimayo expressed optimism that the meeting would yield positive outcomes for the health sector.

In his remarks, Dr Francis Akanbiemu, Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said the meeting was necessary to evaluate the performance of the agency in 2025.

Akanbiemu said the forum would enable stakeholders in primary healthcare delivery to identify and address observed deficiencies and gaps to ensure effective service delivery.

He assured that the agency would continue to fulfil its mandate of providing quality healthcare services to residents of the state.