AIYEDATIWA ROLLS OUT FREE HEALTH SERVICES FOR ONDO RESIDENTS

In a significant step to improve healthcare access in Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa has launched a three-day free medical outreach program across all 18 local government areas. Conducted from Thursday, November 7th to Saturday, November 9th, 2024, the initiative was managed by the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHCDA) under Dr. Francis Adegoke Akanbiemu, Permanent Secretary of the agency, with primary healthcare coordinators monitoring each council area.

The outreach program provided screenings for a range of health issues, including Hepatitis B, hernia, hypertension, diabetes, and malaria. Participants—such as artisans, civil servants, traders, and farmers—received not only free screenings but also medication and counseling on managing diagnosed conditions. Those in need of surgical intervention were scheduled for free procedures at tertiary health facilities.

Healthcare coordinators, including Dr. Poghikumo Iduwoni (Ese-odo), Debo Oyewole (Ose), and Dr. Olawanle (Irele), reported high turnout and expressed optimism that the outreach would contribute to reducing morbidity rates across Ondo State.

Beneficiaries, like Mrs. Ebunoluwa Oke, Modupe Ayelomi, and Mr. Ugochi Benedict, expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa, especially in light of current economic challenges making healthcare unaffordable for many. They voiced their support for the administration, commending its prioritization of health.

Dr. Akanbiemu noted that the outreach program reflects the governor's commitment to providing Ondo residents with free healthcare services as a democratic benefit. He announced that, moving forward, the outreach would occur quarterly, ensuring consistent healthcare access throughout the state.