Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has reiterated his commitment towards giving priority to the state health sector as he assured the state chapter, of the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA) of adequate support in ensuring that the people of the state enjoy qualitative health care delivery.

He stated this at the 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 2019 Scientific Conference of Ondo NMA held in Akure.

According to him, the present administration is committed to ensuring that necessary vacancies are filled in order to have a vibrant health sector.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, the governor called for the support of stakeholders for government in order to guarantee adequate safety to citizens of the state especially health workers.

In his remarks on the theme, “Impact of incessant insecurity on health care delivery services in Nigeria: the Role of Stakeholders and the way forward”, he described it as timely and added that it was in line with the recent series of meetings on the region’s security by South west Governors.

In his welcome address, Chairman, Ondo NMA, Dr. Wale Oke commended the state governor for his giant strides in the health sector, noting that the establishment of the UNIMED Teaching Hospital and the recruitment of doctors as and when due was highly commendable.

While also commending him for securing the roads in the state, he stated that security is crucial to the development of the state, saying, ” without security, we won’t be able to perform our job maximally,” He implored government not to relent on its oars in providing adequate security in every ramification to the people of the state.

Speaking further, he called on Federal Government to establish the Bank of Health in order to assist members of the association improve on their services, which according to him would improve the health sector.

He also called on the state government to improve on infrastructural development of the General hospitals across the state.

However, he assured other health professional bodies of adequate support in order to avoid incessant strike in the sector.

Representative of the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Akinriboya Henry described the medical profession as a noble one among others noting that it has added value to the populace.

He said, “Nigerians appreciate your efforts due to the fact that you are a very important aspect of human life.”

Also speaking, the Royal father of the day and Paramount ruler of Igbara Oke, Oba Adefarakanmi Agbede Ilufemiloye lamented the security challenge confronting the nation noting that doctors too have roles to play especially while on duty.

While assuring that steps have been taken to curb the menace within the region, he said that doctors should carry out their duty without fear saying, “we traditional rulers are behind you in our prayers.”

Speaking on the above mentioned theme in a lecture, Chief Medical Director, Police Hospital, Akure, CSP(Dr.) Dere Olalekan described health as a pre-requisite for all social and political activities saying, “without sound health, there won’t be meaningful development in all aspects of human endeavour.”

Source: https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/odsg-pledges-support-for-nma/