By Kemi Olatunde

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has distributed 1,666 health kits to various health facilities and institutions across the state.

It will be recalled that the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, recently flagged off the donation of 10,000 health kits to the South-West zone in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Speaking at the event on Thursday in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, commended Senator Tinubu for her efforts in repositioning the health sector. He noted that his administration has been intentional in enhancing the health of residents and improving the state’s health infrastructure.

According to Prof. Odimayo, the construction of a 100-bed hospital at Okitipupa State Specialist Hospital is underway. He highlighted that the hospital would feature an insurance building with adequate power supply, a functional oxygen plant, and a 6.2KVA solar system to cater to the eye clinic, among other amenities.

He further revealed that 102 Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across the state are undergoing renovations as part of revitalisation efforts. These upgrades include the construction of staff quarters, the provision of a 24-hour solar system, and improved water supply, all aimed at strengthening health services in the state.

Additionally, he disclosed that the state’s tertiary institutions have been restructured, leading to the establishment of a Federal Teaching Hospital in one of the state’s tertiary hospitals.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured students in higher institutions, particularly nursing students, that they would be given priority for employment upon graduation. He added that his administration is committed to improving the welfare of health workers by enhancing their remuneration.

He also urged recipients of the health kits to utilise them effectively for the benefit of the state.

Among the beneficiaries of the donation were UNIMEDTH, UNIMEDTH nurses, State Specialist Hospital, Oke-Aro, UNIMEDTH Ondo, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ondo State College of Health Technology, Akure, Achievers University, Owo, Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Infectious Disease Hospital, Akure, Children’s Home, Oba-Ile, the Ministry of Health (nurses), and FUTA School Clinic, among others.

Some beneficiaries, including Adefuwa Racheal, a student at the State College of Health Technology, commended Senator Tinubu and the state government for the gesture and assured that the health kits would be used appropriately.