The Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHCDA) has warned Directors of Primary Health Care (PHC) across the 18 local government areas to brace up and deliver effectively or risk replacement.
The Permanent Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, gave the charge during a one-day engagement with PHC Directors held in Akure.
The meeting was convened to assess and strengthen primary healthcare delivery at the grassroots, in line with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s “OUR EASE” agenda, which prioritises efficient and accessible healthcare services for all residents.
Dr. Akanbiemu expressed displeasure over the poor performance of some health indicators, particularly immunization rates, in certain local government areas.
He urged the coordinators to intensify outreach and sensitisation efforts to encourage more mothers to bring their children for vaccination, noting that Ondo State had built a strong reputation for excellence in immunization coverage.
He emphasized that with the governor’s recent approval for the recruitment of additional doctors and health workers, as well as the state’s ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure, there was no justification for underperformance.
“Primary healthcare workers have no excuse to perform below expectation given the government’s huge commitment to the sector. Any local government coordinator found wanting will be replaced,” Dr. Akanbiemu warned.
He also revealed that plans are underway to address challenges faced by health workers in rural and hard-to-reach areas to ensure quality service delivery across the state.
The Permanent Secretary commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for the prompt release of funds for key projects and urged all PHC staff to justify the government’s confidence and investment in the subsector.
In his remarks, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, urged the local government coordinators to redouble their commitment and ensure all health indicators achieve 100 percent success.
Responding, the PHC Directors of Akure South and Akoko North-East LGAs, Dr. Adeyemi Osowe and Dr. Rhoda Ige, respectively, said the engagement had renewed their determination to make primary healthcare more impactful and result-oriented.
The session was also attended by key OSPHCDA officials, including Mrs. Folasade Ale (Director of Finance), Mrs. Doris Adekanle (Director of Accounts), Dr. Yetunde Olagbuji (Director of Research and Statistics), and Dr. PaulinusOmode (Director of Medical Services).
