By Kemi Olatunde

The Board Chairman of Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, has assured the public of the board’s commitment to making a difference in the health sector.

He disclosed this during a courtesy call on the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, last Friday in Akure.

According to him, it is Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s vision to have a vibrant health sector, and the board is more than committed to this vision by putting in its best efforts.

Commending the Governor for establishing the board and for providing allowances for doctors and corps members in the state, Dr Fasoranti said the board will implement measures to ensure that other serving health workers are also taken care of.

He praised the management of the State Specialist Hospital, Oke-Aro, Akure, for ensuring quality healthcare delivery and urged other secondary health facilities to follow suit.

A board member, Nurse Aarinola Adamolekun, solicited the support of partners for improved healthcare, calling on the government to prioritise the safety and security of health workers in secondary facilities across the state.

She emphasised the need for the availability of drugs and health commodities in health facilities statewide.

The Permanent Secretary of HMB, Dr Ayodele Adiji, while praising the Governor for his support, especially the appointment of the board, explained that “the era of health workers leaving the system and still earning a salary is over in the state,” urging health workers to embrace teamwork.

In his response, Prof. Odimayo commended the board members for their efforts in repositioning the sector within a short time and assured them of the government’s commitment to achieving the best outcomes in the system.

He explained that significant sacrifice is required to effect change in the secondary facilities, which are essential for meeting the health needs of residents and reducing pressure on tertiary institutions.

He urged the board members to take necessary action in fulfilling the government’s mandate to improve the sector, adding that managers of health facilities must be trained to take ownership of the system.

Prof. Odimayo also stressed the need for health workers to be proactive in ensuring the system’s success, stating that “they should be on their toes for the system to flourish.”