Ondo State Government Issues Strong Warning to Primary Health Care Directors
The Ondo State Government has issued a stern warning to the Directors of Primary Health Care (PHC) across the 18 local government areas. The message is clear: they must be more proactive in their duties or face immediate replacement. This directive comes as part of a broader effort to address issues of negligence and poor performance within the primary healthcare system, which serves as the most accessible level of health service for people at the grassroots.
During a one-day strategic engagement with PHC Directors in Akure, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHCDA), emphasized the importance of this meeting. He stated that the session aimed to reaffirm the government’s commitment to improving the well-being of residents through efficient, affordable, and equitable healthcare delivery.
- The engagement was organized to assess the performance level of PHC facilities, identify challenges, and strengthen service delivery in line with the state government’s development blueprint.
- It also sought to ensure that local government PHC coordinators align with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s “OUR EASE” agenda, which prioritizes health and social welfare as key components of inclusive governance.
Dr. Akanbiemu highlighted that the Aiyedatiwa administration has made significant investments in the health sector, both in infrastructure and human resources. As a result, the government expects improved results across all local governments.
- The government has approved the recruitment of additional medical doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to strengthen service delivery.
- Governor Aiyedatiwa has also consistently released funds for key projects and programs in the sector.
- Therefore, any PHC Director who fails to meet expectations is not in tune with the current administration’s vision and will be replaced.
Addressing Critical Health Indicators
Dr. Akanbiemu expressed concern over some critical health indicators, particularly immunisation coverage, which was performing below expectations at the local government level. He urged PHC Directors to intensify sensitisation and community outreach programs to encourage more mothers to present their children for immunisation.
- Ondo State has long been a leader in immunisation coverage and primary healthcare delivery.
- The government must not allow complacency to reverse these gains.
- Every child in Ondo State deserves access to essential vaccines, and it is the collective duty of all stakeholders to ensure this.
In addition to addressing immunisation, the Agency is developing new strategies to support healthcare workers in rural and hard-to-reach areas. The government remains determined to bridge gaps in human resources and logistics to make quality healthcare accessible to all residents.
Encouraging Commitment and Accountability
Dr. Victor Adefesoye, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, challenged the coordinators to redouble their efforts. He noted that achieving 100 percent success across all health indicators is possible with renewed commitment, teamwork, and accountability.
The event also featured remarks from two PHC Directors—Dr. Adeyemi Osowe from Akure South and Dr. Rhoda Ige from Akoko Northeast. Both expressed how the engagement had reawakened their sense of duty and inspired them to intensify community-based healthcare efforts.
- They described the meeting as timely, noting that it provided them with clearer strategies to make healthcare delivery more impactful and result-oriented.
Key Attendees and Continued Efforts
The event was attended by top officials of the OSPHCDA, including Mrs. Folasade Ale (Director of Finance), Mrs. Doris Adekanle (Director of Accounts), Dr. Yetunde Olagbuji (Director of Research and Statistics), and Dr. Paulinus Omode (Director of Medical Services).
The government’s focus on healthcare continues to evolve, with a strong emphasis on performance, accountability, and community engagement. As the state moves forward, it is clear that the health sector will remain a priority, with ongoing efforts to ensure that every resident receives the care they deserve.