The National Coordinator of the World Bank’s Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) Dr. Lekan Olubajo has said the government of Ondo state is laying a strong foundation in its efforts at achieving Universal Health Coverage which ensures that all people have access to healthcare they need without suffering financial hardship.

The World Bank Disbursement Linked Indicators team was in Ondo state on a week-long assessment exercise against which states and Council Areas are rewarded. Olubajo commended Governor Mimiko for Abiye Safe Motherhood which is Ondo’s homegrown program designed to tackle Infant and Maternal Mortality ratio which, according to the World Bank, was the highest in Nigeria before 2009. “One of the things I admire most about you is the confidence you exude, that is the confidence of a man with purpose and your knack for excellence” Olubajo said.

Giving highlights of his tour, the NSHIP Coordinator said he was amazed when a set of twins that were rescued from a woman with psychiatric issues were showed to him at one of the hospitals. And what’s more surprising is that the woman was helped to deliver with effort of the ABIYE Vanguard. Olubajo said the case described above shows how the Mimiko-led government has improved healthcare delivery system in Ondo state with respect to Universal Health Coverage. He said Ondo state is also a model for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). According to him: “Anyone who wants to see emergency medical services in action, should go to Ondo. It works live”.

While thanking Gov Mimiko for using his good office to absorb SURE-P medical staff that were supposed to be laid off by the new Government and recruitment of new set of Medical staff, Olubajo wants Gov Mimiko to show case his achievements for other Nigerian governors to emulate. Reacting, Gov Mimiko reiterated that his government will continue to fund healthcare despite the harsh economic conditions being experienced in Nigeria.

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/ondo-a-model-for-emergency-medical-services-world-bank/

Sai Mimiko