By Kemi Olatunde

In its determination to enhance qualitative health care delivery, the Ondo State government has  inaugurated an eleven-man steering committee on human resources on health in the state.

The steering committee which is expected to serve as the highest coordinating body for all health programmes and activities in the state has the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka as Chairman while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Pharmacist (Mrs.) Folukemi Aladenola is the Co-Chairman of the committee.

Other members of the committee include; Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board(HMB), Dr. Niran Ikuomola, Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency(OSPHCDA), Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Bunmi Alade, Director, Finance and Administration, Ministry of Health, Mr. Tayo Akeju and Director, Finance and Administration, Hospitals Management Board, Mrs. Ronke Filani.

Others are; Director, Finance and Administration, OSPHCDA, Mrs. Folashade Ale, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, HMB, Dr.(Mrs.) Aderonke Fagbemi, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, OSPHCDA, Dr. (Mrs.) Yetunde Olagbuji while Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Health, Dr. Uche Odionyenma is the Secretary.

Inaugurating the steering committee, Dr. Ajaka noted that as an institutional platform, members are expected to facilitate collaboration, cooperation and inter-sectoral planning among various stakeholders involved in health programmes’ planning, management and development towards harnessing the state’s response to health issues and challenges.

While affirming that there is a great task ahead of members of the committee, the commissioner expressed optimism that members will live up to expectations and deliver on their mandate.

Ajaka charged members to  take up the responsibility with all commitment in order to enhance effective health care and social welfare for the good people of Ondo State.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health,   Pharmacist (Mrs.) Folukemi Aladenola averred that the constitution and inauguration of the steering committee became imperative in order to have an institutional body saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that Ondo State has an effective health workforce.

Aladenola said the steering committee which is the highest coordinating body for human resources for health activities in the state is expected to provide general oversight and guidance on the daily implementation of the State Human Resources for Health Information System(HRHIS).

She encouraged members to be passionate about carrying out the task ahead so that Ondo State can have a skilled and motivated health workforce that can deliver effective health care and social welfare to the people of the state.