By Kemi Olatunde

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Health is central to human happiness and well-being. The health sector of a society is determined by its government ability to provide quality health services for the people. In Ondo State, the people can boast of a vibrant health system even in the face of the ravaging pandemic, corona virus, which has given virtually all societies a new phase.
Since the inception of the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Ondo State, the health sector is one of the sectors that has received a boost as seen in the various health related developmental projects and programmes.
The most recent of these projects is the just commissioned Isolation Centre in Ondo last Saturday. No wonder the environment was filled to capacity as people trooped out inlarge numbers to witness another good work of the present government.
The good news is that Ondo town is not the only beneficiary of such project as it has been replicated in other senatorial district which will soon be opened for operation.
Commissioning the edifice, the governor assured health workers in the State of his commitment to the payment of Special COVID-19 allowance even though the pandemic has significantly and adversely affected the State finances.
Speaking further at the Ultra Modern Isolation Centre situated at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Annex, Ondo, maintained that the action is in furtherance of his determination to fill existing gap in terms of high-level care for those who have underlying conditions and are, therefore, most susceptible to complications and death from COVID-19.
He explained that the centre will not only be useful to people with COVID-19 infections but also those infected with other types of highly infectious diseases in the future.
While commiserating with the families of the former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro he described his death as a great loss to the State noting that he fought selflessly to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
However, he expressed appreciation to health workers and other professionals who have been at the forefront of the fight against the disease, adding that since the time of recording the first case of COVID-19 in the State in April 2020, the government has gallantly risen to the occasion with several initiatives and added that the State is one of the few states that have successfully put in place specific strategies, programmes and laws to fight against the pandemic.
In his goodwill message, the Acting Commissioner for Health and Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Hon. Jibayo Adeyeye lauded the Governor for his giant strides in the State’s health sector, adding that the present administration’s interest in the sector has led to many of its outstanding achievements like the establishment of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, establishment of first critical care unit in Ondo State, employment of over 500 Doctors, accreditation of courses at UNIMED, distribution of equipment worth 16 million dollars and others that are too numerous to mention.
He appealed to the people to give needed support to the Governor in order to carry out more life benefitting projects in the State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Interministerial Committee on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Vice Chancellor, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Dr. Adesegun Fatusi, acknowledged the government for the support given to the Committee in its effort to reduce the spread of Coronavirus in Ondo State.
He explained that the Interministerial Committee has been able to flatten COVID-19 curve, using a 7-pillar strategic roadmap codenamed “Ondo Succeeds”, based on strong public health principles and global best practices.
He highlighted the concept of the acronym SUCCEEDS as: strengthening human resource base and performance, up to date response protocols using evidence, community engagement and social mobilisation, establishment of testing facilities and improved test uptake rate, expansion of treatment facilities, deepening public education, health promotion and media engagement and strengthening response management, including coordination, distribution of personal protective equipment and other essential supplies as well as monitoring of compliance and enforcement of relevant public health measures.
Professor Fatusi said the Committee has been able to ensure appropriate treatment and care for those infected, adding that 1,539 positive cases and 30 deaths have been recorded so far, signifying a mortality rate of less than 2% – which is very commendable and showcases Ondo State as one of the best-performing states in the country.
He said aside the Isolation Centre being commissioned by Mr. Governor in Ondo, the Isolation Centre in Ikare is ready for use; work is almost completed at the Isolation Ward, Okitipupa, coupled with the upgrading of the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Akure, all targeted at making Ondo State one of the leading States in the fight against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Cross section of those who spoke with The Hope described the gesture as a commendable one noting that it will go a long way in reducing the spread of the ravaging corona virus in the state