By Raji Ibrahim Senderous, a member of GSM Advocates
Governor Seyi Makinde has really improved the health sector in Oyo State and he has set a good template for his successor.
Upon assuming office on May 29, 2019, Makinde inherited a stagnant health sector with dilapidated Primary Health Centres(PHCs) lacking basic infrastructure, amenities and adequate personnel. To address this, his administration implemented several key initiatives such as rehabilitation of Primary Health Centres, employment and improved welfarism of Healthcare Workers, improved access to Healthcare, and training of Healthcare Workers.
Over 270 Primary Health Centres(PHCs) have been rehabilitated and equipped with modern medical equipments across Oyo State, since the inception of GSM’s administration. Secondary healthcare facilities such as Ring Road State Hospital, Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, General Hospital, Tede and Jericho Specialist Hospital have been renovated and upgraded. Diagnostic Centres have also been constructed in Saki and Ogbomosho.
More so, a lot of healthcare services and programs have been put in place, and they have been so beneficial. Makinde’s administration, under Omituntun 1.0 agenda provided medical and surgical to over 200,000 Oyo State residents in 2021 and over 500,000 in 2022. Makinde also implemented health insurance for all civil and public servants to reduce health expenditure burden.
Moreover, employing more health care workers has given us huge relief in Oyo State. It has created job opportunities for those employed and it has helped to reduce the deficit of labour in the healthcare sector, ensuring more and better healthcare access for Oyo State residents.
Last week, GSM kicked off the 1st Quarter 2025 Omituntun Free Medical mission in Ibadan North East, and this initiative is currently ongoing in all local governments. We have seen residents who are already giving testimony about how this initiative is helping them. Governor Makinde’s administration has initiated the 2025 Omituntun Free Health Mission, a statewide medical outreach providing free quality healthcare to residents across all 33 local government areas. This effort aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and deliver essential medical services to communities in need.
Oyo State Health Sector Initiatives
The Oyo State government has implemented various initiatives to improve healthcare delivery and accessibility. Some key developments include:
Partnerships and Frameworks
- Linkage Framework: Developed in collaboration with Management Science for Health (MSH) to coordinate health resource provision among partners.
- Ward Development Committees: Established in all 351 wards to enhance community engagement and participation in healthcare.
Health Insurance
- Community-Based Health Insurance: Launched mobilization and enrollment efforts through the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA).
- Public Sensitization: Conducted radio and TV programs to educate the public about health insurance benefits.
Healthcare Infrastructure
- Hospital Accreditation: Accredited Adeoyo Maternity Hospital and Jericho Specialist Hospital for manpower development in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and General Medicine.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Completed renovations and installations at Ring Road State Hospital, including:
- Renal Dialysis ward
- Water treatment unit
- Renal dialysis machine
- High Dependency unit
- 64-slice CT scanner
Healthcare Services
- Free Health Mission: Provided medical and surgical interventions to over 500,000 residents.
- Recruitment: Hired various healthcare professionals, including consultants, medical and dental officers, nurses, and others.
Employment and Deployment
- OYSHIA Staffing: Employed 17 doctors, 14 ad-hoc staff, and deployed 4 civil servants to OYSHIA.
These initiatives demonstrate the state’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, accessibility, and quality.
Furthermore, all these new developments in the healthcare sector championed by His Excellency, Engr. (Dr.) Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde has given us renewed confidence in the healthcare system in Oyo State, especially in rural areas, and this improved quality of care due to improved staffing and modern facilities has further affirmed the fact that Makinde is a visionary leader.
