By Kemi Olatunde

To further strengthen the Primary Health Care (PHC) system and ensure effective healthcare delivery in Ondo State, the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) has held a meeting with the Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu, described the chairmen as critical stakeholders in the PHC system.

He congratulated them on their success in the recent local government election, which led to their emergence as chairmen of their respective local governments and thanked them for prioritising the healthcare system and the well-being of the people.

Akanbiemu described Ondo State as the only state in Nigeria with a standard laboratory system and ultrasound machines in all local government areas.

He stated that the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, in collaboration with the World Bank, has commenced the revitalisation of some health facilities to boost healthcare delivery across the state, adding that “they are at various levels of completion.”

The Permanent Secretary expressed optimism for better days ahead for the health system, noting that another World Bank project named Hope Health is in the pipeline. The project aims to implement a grant-in-aid scheme for the complete upgrading of health facilities in all political wards of the state.

He stressed that the PHC system cannot operate in isolation, highlighting the critical roles the chairmen have to play.

Akanbiemu disclosed that the Agency is currently developing a new website and noted that the chairmen would be featured on the platform to facilitate effective interaction and improved PHC system delivery.

Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr Victor Adefesoye, said the roles of the chairmen cannot be underestimated.

Adefesoye assured the Agency’s continued willingness to partner with the chairmen in lifting the PHC system to enviable heights.

Speaking on the performance of the health system, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Ondo State and Chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, Gbenga Fasua, appreciated the fact that Ondo State had made significant strides in combating deadly diseases, particularly in eradicating polio.

The Chairman of Ese Odo Local Government Area, Molos Caleb-Ebi, advised the Agency to establish a monitoring team to supervise health workers and minimise indolence and truancy within the system.

Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr (Mrs) Yetunde Olagbuji, said the Agency is currently implementing integrated supportive supervision, where officers move around to monitor the activities of workers at various facilities.

On the issue of PHC system control, Dr Olagbuji explained that Primary Health Care operates “under one roof”, a concept introduced in 2011 by the National Council on Health for the effective coordination of PHC activities.

Speaking on the procurement and distribution of drugs in local government areas, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharmacist Grace Sajo, solicited the chairmen’s support through proper monitoring to ensure that the health facilities have the required drugs, since there is a centralised procurement system in the state.