By Kemi Olatunde
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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has reiterated his commitment towards improving the state health sector by sustaining and promoting health facilities so as to guarantee a healthy environment.
He spoke while addressing members of the State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association after a health walk in commemoration of the Physicians week yesterday in Akure.
Describing the theme of the event; “Universal health coverage – leaving no one behind” as apt, he stressed the importance of the health sector saying “no amount is too much for government to put in the health sector to have a healthy society.”
The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi hinted that the addition of Mother and Child hospitals to other senatorial districts, upgrading the State Specialist Hospital, Akure to a Teaching Hospital and the signing into law the Contributory Health Scheme among others are some measures put in place to strengthen the health sector.
Speaking earlier, Chairman, Ondo State NMA, Dr. Wale Oke while commending the state government for signing into law the Contributory Health Scheme applauded government for involving NMA in the 2019 budget planning saying “it is the first time any state will involve NMA in it as we were part of the planning.”
Dr. Oke who praised government for having an improved figure which is even higher than that of Federal Government, for health in its budget, urged government to ensure an increase in its performance.
He said; “Ondo State is one of the few States that have started preparation towards the Universal Health Coverage by the Contributory Health Scheme signed into law in February, 2018.
“It is on record that you are the first Governor to invite NMA and other organized sectors to have input in 2019 budget and METF 2019 – 2021.”
