Gov. Abiodun assembles best team for quality health care delivery in Ogun- Dr Salako Bolaji

In this interview with Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist, Dr. Salako Bolaji Lateef, who is also a leading anti-quackery Advocate in Ogun State, insights on the proactive interventions of Governor Dapo Abiodun in the Health sector of Ogun State were given, as well as the necessary steps taken to fight the menace of quackery in the heath sector among other sundry issues.



Can you briefly give insights on the state of health care delivery in Ogun State in the last four years and areas of necessasy interventions ?

The healthcare delivery in Ogun State has significantly improved under the current administration of His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun for the past four years. The commitment and sincerity shown by the present government in the health sector are evident through strategic appointments, such as: Dr. Tomi Coker as Commissioner for Health, Dr. Lawal as SA, Dr. Ololade, and Dr. Omojola ( SSAs). They have proven their capabilities, and in the recent second term, Dr. Tomi Coker was reappointed alongside Dr. Lawal and Dr. Ogungbe as SAs, reinforcing the government’s dedication and commitment in the health sector. Ogun State boasts of numerous government hospitals, encompassing both primary and secondary health facilities, all managed by the state government. However, the key focus should be on increased funding and proper health financing. Ogun State government has more than 230 primary health centers and over 50 secondary health facilities catering for the state’s populace, sustaining and enhancing health-care system delivery. To further strengthen the health-care system, the government should prioritize adequate staffing, fair remuneration, provision of essential equipment, regular staff training, and creation of a conducive work environment. By implementing these measures and offering attractive welfare packages, the government can foster job satisfaction among health-care workers, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of health-care services in the state.

What informed your passion for the fight against medical quackery in Ogun State and the success recorded so far by your team?

Quack and quackery is something we should all fight against because the consequences always have massive health risks
As an anti-quackery advocate, I believe that we have a duty to stop this health fraud and educate our people that wearing white clothes does not make someone a nurse or a doctor. That not every person who sells or handles drugs is a qualified pharmacist. We also need to inform our people that a doctor’s work cannot be done by a medical laboratory scientist, nor can a radiographer replace a radiologist. The functions of optometrists are completely different from those of ophthalmologists.
We are appalled by the situation where doctors train unlicensed nurses or where chemists train unqualified pharmacy technicians. All these practices are health fraud and quackery. I live and work in Ogun state, at the Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta. We cannot ignore the fact that things are not going well. These dishonest people are endangering our people, so we have to keep working against them so that their operations will not thrive in our state. The tactic they use is to pretend that they can cure all diseases, they offer low prices, they act like friendly and harmless people. They also say that they have magical and spiritual power to deal with any kind of illness. They use technical or unfamiliar languages to trick their victims.
They make their offices look better than hospitals and clinics. That is why I always advise our people not to trust everything they see or hear in the media so they should always consult their doctors on any health related issues. Some months ago, I joined the ministry of health in the fight against quack and quackery during Operation Stingray led by Dr Tomi Coker the honourable commissioner for health. What we witnessed was terrible and we arrested some offenders during this task force operation. We are ready for more partnerships against this threat called quack and quackery. We need to reduce or eliminate these anti-people activities in Ogun state. We need to make the state unfavourable for these elements.

Wha type of leadership you consider essential at the highest echelon of Hospital Management Board in Ogun State?

As you are know that the Ogun State Hospital Management Board is a comprehensive parastatal within the Ministry of Health, encompassing various departments. It oversees the secondary hospitals owned by the Ogun State government. The essential leadership qualities required include a combination of healthcare expertise, strategic vision, effective communication, and strong decision-making skills. With these leadership qualities, the board will be positioned appropriately within the committee of boards