By Kemi Olatunde
Multi-million naira worth digital hospital equipment was yesterday commissioned by the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for primary health care development board.
The equipment which has been distributed across 18 local government areas of the state include 18 high quality digital ultrasound scanning machines with in-built printers, 18 high-tech multi-function colour photocopy machines and 18 petrol(6.8KVA) generators for improvement in the quality of Primary Health Care (PHC) service delivery and utilisation.
Speaking at the commissioning and distribution of the equipment to Primary Health Care (PHC) Centres in the state yesterday the State Governor, noted that it will significantly help in increasing the quality of maternal and newborn care, stating that it will reduce maternal and prenatal morbidity and mortality.
Akeredolu who explained that government’s passion for the upliftment and realization of sustainable PHC is unparalleled and unprecedented in the history of PHC both in the state and country at large said that the scanning machines will reduce both cost and transportation of pregnant women accessing such care elsewhere, adding that the generators will be useful in powering the equipment and the facilities.
The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, charged the agency to ensure proper training of personnel to handle the equipment which according to him should be handled with care and property maintained.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka lamented the level of neglect of PHC’s diagnostic functions in the health care set up in the country which according to him has resulted to lack of trust in the system.
He explained that the present government has set the pace in the provision of standard and qualitative healthcare to residents in line with her REDEEMED agenda for the health sector.
In his remarks, Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Francis Faduyile noted that Primary Health Centres are where over 70 percent of the populace are in contact with first care, noting that fortifying the PHC will help in improving health statistics and responsiveness of people in the state.
While stating that alot of health care facilities in the country are in shambles, he noted that the present government has shown alot of interest in PHC where competent medical personnel have been employed to attend to the health needs of the people.
In his goodwill message, Permanent Secretary, OSPHCDA, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu while commending the governor, noted that he has brought massive improvement to PHC.
He added that administration will continue to do so until PHC becomes the best choice of residents in terms of health delivery in the state.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Niran Ikuomola lauded the gesture and assured of the board’s willingness to collaborate with the agency in terms of referrals for health sector strengthening.
Director-General, Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Abiodun Oyenehin while stating that the commission will not relent in mobilizing resources in ensuring that funds are available for the desired qualitative health care, assured of effective collaboration for an improved health sector.
Speaking on behalf of other developing partners, State Coordinator, WHO, Dr. Dele-David Abidoye congratulated the state for the achievement noting that the organisation and other partners have been working in the state towards integrated service delivery which according to him has led to increase in detection cases.
He pledged the continued support of WHO in PHC revatilisation and other health care needed to conduct in the state.
