Ondo, W’Bank to revamp primary healthcare system

ONDO (NAN)- The Ondo State government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has announced an investment of N13.5 billion aimed at enhancing infrastructure, staffing, and the supply of medications for patients to improve the primary healthcare system in the state.

The initiative, named “Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT PROJECT),” was discussed by Pius Omode, the project manager, during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Akure on Tuesday. Mr. Omode indicated that the project is expected to conclude this year, with an implementation period of approximately one and a half years.

“To date, we have allocated N1.5 billion for the malaria and immunisation components within this timeframe. For 2025, we plan to invest up to N12 billion for both malaria and immunisation activities. A total of one hundred and two primary health facilities have been selected for upgrades, and there will be a procurement of medications for patients across all primary healthcare facilities,” he stated.

Francis Akanbiemu, the permanent secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his focus on primary healthcare facilities.

He noted that the IMPACT Project aims to implement various interventions to improve the negative indices in the primary healthcare system.

“The renovation of primary health facilities has commenced in the first phase, and the project has initiated digitalisation processes within the system,” he added.

Bayo Phillip, the state Head of Service (HoS), who opened the stakeholders’ meeting, remarked that the project aligns with the state government’s strategic plan. He also mentioned that the state government has completed the recruitment of medical officers and nurses, with plans to recruit additional medical personnel.

He encouraged traditional birth attendants to refer pregnant women facing complications to government-operated health facilities to help decrease child and maternal mortality rates in the state.