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The Ondo State Government has issued a strong warning to Directors of Primary Health Care (PHC) across the 18 local government areas to be more proactive in the discharge of their duties or face immediate replacement. The government stated that it would no longer tolerate negligence or poor performance in the primary healthcare system, which remains the most accessible level of health service for people at the grassroots. ALSO READ: Gov Yusuf hails Nigerian Army for combating banditry in Kano Speaking during a one-day strategic engagement with PHC Directors in Akure, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHCDA), Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, said the meeting was aimed at reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving the well-being of residents through efficient, affordable, and equitable healthcare delivery. According to him, the engagement was organised to assess the performance level of PHC facilities, identify challenges, and strengthen service delivery in line with the state government’s development blueprint. He noted that the session also sought to ensure that local government PHC coordinators align with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s “OUR EASE” agenda, which prioritises health and social welfare as key components of inclusive governance. Dr. Akanbiemu emphasised that the Aiyedatiwa administration has made significant investments in the health sector—both in infrastructure and human resources—and therefore expects improved results across all local governments. “The government has approved the recruitment of additional medical doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to strengthen our service delivery. Governor Aiyedatiwa has also consistently released funds for key projects and programmes in the sector. Therefore, any PHC Director who fails to meet expectations is not in tune with the current administration’s vision and will be replaced,” he warned. He expressed concern that some critical health indicators, particularly immunisation coverage, were performing below expectations at the local government level. The Permanent Secretary urged PHC Directors to intensify sensitisation and community outreach programmes to encourage more mothers to present their children for immunisation. “Ondo State has for years been a leading light in immunisation coverage and primary healthcare delivery. We must not allow complacency to reverse our gains. Every child in Ondo State deserves access to essential vaccines, and it is our collective duty to ensure that,” he stressed. Dr. Akanbiemu also revealed that the Agency is developing new strategies to support healthcare workers in rural and hard-to-reach areas, adding that the government remains determined to bridge gaps in human resources and logistics to make quality healthcare accessible to all residents. He appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support and prompt release of funds for the Agency’s operations and commended diligent PHC coordinators for their commitment to duty. However, he warned that any official found wanting would be sanctioned. Also speaking, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, challenged the coordinators to redouble their efforts, noting that achieving 100 percent success across all health indicators was possible with renewed commitment, teamwork, and accountability. In their remarks, the Akure South PHC Director, Dr. Adeyemi Osowe, and the Akoko Northeast PHC Director, Dr. Rhoda Ige, said the engagement had reawakened their sense of duty and inspired them to intensify community-based healthcare efforts. They described the meeting as timely, noting that it provided them with clearer strategies to make healthcare delivery more impactful and result-oriented. The event was attended by top officials of the OSPHCDA, including Mrs. Folasade Ale (Director of Finance), Mrs. Doris Adekanle (Director of Accounts), Dr. Yetunde Olagbuji (Director of Research and Statistics), and Dr. Paulinus Omode (Director of Medical Services). NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
