By Kemi Olatunde

In line with the commitment of the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration to providing better health care services and infrastructure to residents of the state, the new University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital/Specialist Hospital Akure building will be completed for commissioning before December 2024.

This was disclosed during a tripartite inspection activity at the hospital by the Ministry of Health, the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, and the Ministry of Lands and Housing.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, while describing the project as a one-stop shop for medical care, said that “all facilities and services will be embedded in the building, making Ondo State a medical hub for healthcare services, and there won’t be any need to seek services outside the state upon completion.”

According to him, the Akure and Ondo UNIMEDTH projects have reached 90 percent completion, noting that all hands are on deck to ensure speedy completion through the availability of funds for the contractor to complete the project before December 2024.

He allayed the fears of residents, assuring them of affordable services through the Health Insurance Scheme, which has been put in place by the government for the formal sector. He added that all is set to introduce the scheme for the informal sector.

For human resources, the commissioner hinted that the recruitment of health workers was almost concluded, saying, “in a matter of days, the list will be out.”

The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Akinwumi Sowore, who expressed his delight with the modern architecture, promised that they would do everything in their capacity to ensure payment was made.

He commended the contractor and those who conceived the idea of the hospital complex, saying, “Ondo State will have a befitting hospital in the state.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, noted that the Governor gave the mandate to fast-track all projects to ensure they are delivered on time. He stated that the project, upon completion, would serve the people of the state, adding that “the government is committed to the commissioning of the project before December.”

The representative of the contractor in charge, Solab Nigeria Limited, Engr. Tajudeen Aliu, noted that the civil work has reached 90 percent completion, while the total work is at 75 percent. He assured that within 10 to 15 weeks, the job would be delivered.

Upon completion, the project on a 2500sqm site will have 250 beds, nine wards, three ultra-modern theatre suites with 24-hour backup power supply, 130 toilets, a laboratory, a pharmacy, an X-ray and CT scan room, seminar rooms, 21 offices, private wards, and call rooms.