••• Commissions PHC Staff Quarters
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has inaugurated revitalised primary health care facilities, including newly constructed semi-detached staff quarters, solar-powered boreholes and modern medical equipment for the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
The projects were commissioned as part of activities marking his first year in office.
Speaking at one of the inauguration ceremonies in Okitipupa, Okitipupa Local Government Area, the governor clarified that the adoption of tricycle ambulances by the Ondo State Government is a deliberate strategy aimed at improving access to emergency healthcare services in rural and hard-to-reach communities, in line with global best practices.
Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the tricycle ambulances unveiled for the health sector were specifically designed to ensure easy and prompt access to emergency care in rural communities, difficult terrains, riverine areas and villages with narrow roads.
He noted that the initiative would strengthen the primary healthcare system and, by extension, improve the health and wellbeing of residents across the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, the governor stated that the tricycle ambulances, fitted with life-saving equipment, are recognised by the World Bank for their effectiveness and efficiency as a means of transportation in rural areas, particularly for referring pregnant women and children to secondary or tertiary health facilities during emergencies.
He stressed, however, that the tricycle ambulances are not a replacement for conventional ambulances but a strategic addition to enhance service delivery within the primary healthcare system in Ondo State.
“The adoption of this strategy by the Ondo State Government is a well thought-out approach to complement the revitalised health centres, newly built staff quarters, life-saving equipment and other state-of-the-art facilities, as well as the new categories of health workers being injected into the health system, especially at the primary healthcare level,” the governor said.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Francis Adegoke Akanbiemu, emphasised that tricycle ambulances play a critical role in reducing mortality and morbidity in rural communities by responding swiftly to emergency situations.
He noted that the tricycle ambulances, fitted with life-saving equipment, are vital in addressing the health needs of the majority of residents — about 70 per cent — who patronise primary health care centres across the state.
According to him, about 26 states of the federation, including Ondo, have adopted the use of tricycle ambulances in line with global best practices. He applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to the health sector, particularly in strengthening primary healthcare.
“Data has shown that many states in Nigeria are now prioritising the use of tricycle ambulances due to their proven effectiveness and efficiency in transporting patients referred from primary health care centres to higher levels of care.
The strategy has been recognised by both the World Health Organization and the World Bank as a life-saving approach in emergency referrals,” Akanbiemu said.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the government had procured tricycle ambulances for 102 basic health centres across the state, adding that distribution would be carried out in batches.
He thanked the governor for implementing far-reaching reforms in the primary health sub-sector, especially the recruitment of more personnel and the prompt release of funds for various projects.
He assured that the agency would continue to prioritise the health of residents, particularly those at the grassroots.
Akanbiemu also charged workers of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency to maintain a high level of professionalism and justify the government’s significant financial commitment to the health sector.
