- set to review, inaugurate HMB board
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has assured the people of the state that his administration will deepen investment in the health sector.
Underscoring his administration’s commitment to actualising this resolve, he said that everything is set to review and inaugurate a new Health Management Board,HMB,to oversee the implementation of his government bold health programmes.
He gave the assurance during a courtesy call to him in his office in Akure by the newly elected executive members of the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA.
Congratulating the new executives, he said their election demonstrated the confidence reposed in them by members of the association.
Also, he commended the immediate past leadership of the association for their contributions and urged them to continue providing guidance and encouragement to the new executives.
He thanked the NMA for recognising his administration’s achievements in the health sector, saying its campaign promises are being translated into visible and verifiable actions capable of positively impacting the people.
“I want to assure you that I will do more, as long as I am here. I will work within the limited resources that are available at my disposal,” he said.
The governor said security of lives and property remain the administration’s first priority, followed by health and education, stressing that no sector would be left behind.
He said his administration inherited a health sector that required a turnaround to better serve the people, adding that education is also a priority because no nation can develop without producing young leaders and the human capital needed in other sectors.
Aiyedatiwa said the government is equipping hospitals and had awarded contracts for 500-bed projects across the state, with contractors already on site.
Responding to the NMA’s concerns on doctors serving as corps members, particularly the difficulty in attracting doctors to Akure, the governor said he would look into the matter.
He disclosed that his administration had increased allowances to attract corps members and is constructing a new structure to provide better accommodation at the corps members’ camp.
On the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board (HMB), he said he would review its composition and formally inaugurate the board.
He explained that the former chairman left after his elevation to Secretary to the State Government, while the second member, Dr Segun Ategbole, resigned to contest an election.
The governor said he had appointed a substantive chairman, while Dr Nathaniel Akeredolu had been providing leadership pending the formal inauguration of the board.
“I will look into the composition and do the official inauguration of the board,” he said.
Earlier, NMA Chairman in Ondo State, Dr Roland Arohunmolase, commended Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to the health sector and the welfare of health workers.
He described the governor’s initiatives as revolutionary, saying they had positively impacted residents and health workers.
Arohunmolase commended the governor for implementing the new salary structure approved by the National Wages Commission, describing Ondo as the first state to do so. He said the development had improved workers’ economic wellbeing and service delivery.
He also praised the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment, including a CT scan, and the plan to establish 500-bed hospitals across the state.
In attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya; Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka; Commissioner for Information, Hon Idowu Ajanaku; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof Simidele Odimayo.
