By Kemi Olatunde
Ondo State Government has officially handed over the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Akure complex to the Federal Government.
To this end, the Federal Government has unveiled the Federal University of Technology, Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH).
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Akure on Thursday, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa described the handover as a transformative beginning for healthcare in the state.
He expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving a Teaching Hospital for the institution.
Aiyedatiwa said, “The hospital stands as a testament to the vision and hard work of both present and past administrations in the state and the tireless dedication of thousands of doctors, nurses, as well as other health workers. It has been a place of healing, a centre for medical training and a beacon of hope for countless families.”
He explained that his government has given priority to qualitative health care delivery through the OUR EASE policy thrust of his administration.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, hinted that the decision to handover the hospital was aimed at elevating the standard of healthcare for every citizen of the state and the entire South-West region.
“By handing over this asset to the Federal Government, we are effectively unlocking a stream of superior funding, advanced equipment procurement, specialised personnel recruitment and robust inclusion in national and international research networks.
“It will ensure a future where our citizens will have access to expanded array of specialist services. We are confident that the brilliant minds we train here will benefit from enhanced research opportunities and collaboration with other federal universities.
“Again, the hospital’s infrastructure will undergo comprehensive modernisation.
“The event is an advancement through partnership and an expression of true cooperative federalism, where the State and Federal Governments work hand-in-hand to deliver tangible, life-changing services to the people.”
He assured of smooth transfer process for staff of the hospital, saying, “your rights are protected and your future is bright and secured. We will ensure a seamless transition that protects your interests and harnesses your invaluable experience.”
While describing the transfer as a component of his administration’s broader healthcare strategy, including strengthening of Primary Healthcare Centres in every local government area, he said that plans are ongoing to recruit health workers into the Primary Health Care. He added that the secondary health facilities are being upgraded by the state government to offer better and quality services.
“UNIMEDTHC, Akure, is the flagship hospital for ORANGHIS of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC) which provides care to the highest number of enrollees and also serves as a referral centre, through the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme for pregnant women and under five children, including 59,258 pregnant women and children under 5 have benefitted from the scheme.
“Ondo State is currently adjudged the state with the lowest under 5 mortality rates in the country, according to NDHS (NDHS 2023 -2024).
“Also to improve our emergency medical services, the state has just procured some ambulances. The Pharmagrade of our Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency has just been commissioned,” Aiyedatiwa stressed.
He described the transfer as the gifting of a greater future to the state saying, “I see a future where this institution, now under the Federal Government, will become a globally recognised centre of medical excellence, saving countless lives and defining a new era of healthcare in Nigeria.”
In his remarks, shortly before the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Services, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for the amazing collaboration and commended the role of Afenifere leader, Pa. Fasoranti, in making the event a reality.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to changing the health and social landscape of the country, stressing that he is doing it with focus, boldness and determination in expanding the footprints of Nigeria’s health sector in collaboration with state governments.
“The event is just one more marker, as there are several other elements of such collaboration,” he said.
Ali Pate called on Nigerians to join hands in supporting the President’s efforts so as to improve the desired nation’s health system. “It is us, Nigerians, that will build this country and the President is right at the forefront trying to get us to do that. He charged health workers to commit themselves to the service of the people, assuring that “we will cherish you and we will build you.”
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, described the event as historic and momentous.
He described Governor Aiyedatiwa as health-friendly, stating that since inception, his administration has invested massively in the states health sector.
According to him, there is huge infrastructural development in the sector, stating that government is revitalising 105 Primaries Health Centres which are near completion with all the basic equipment, including staff quarters, solar power, among others.
He revealed that the governor has given approval for procurement of ambulances across all secondary facilities
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the gesture, thanking Governor Aiyedatiwa, for making it a reality.