The Commissioner for Health in Oyo State, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, has highlighted significant developments in the state’s healthcare system under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, noting improvements in infrastructure, personnel, and medical equipment across various health facilities.
In an exclusive radio interview with Peter Olasupo on 32FM 94.9, Dr. Ajetunmobi reflected on the state of the health sector when she assumed office, pointing out that many primary health centres were in poor condition, with damaged structures and outdated facilities. However, through continued support from the state government, major renovations and reconstructions have been undertaken.
“We met a system where some health facilities were dilapidated,” she said. “But with the Governor’s commitment, we have not only reconstructed them but also provided necessary equipment and increased staffing levels.”
According to the commissioner, over 300 medical personnel were employed to bolster secondary healthcare services. At the same time, over 3,000 health workers were engaged at the primary healthcare level, including doctors, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists. Staff quarters have also been constructed in hospitals previously lacking residential facilities for workers, improving staff presence and emergency response.
She said while addressing infrastructural deficits, the government has introduced solar inverters to ensure uninterrupted power supply, Point of Care Test Machines for efficient diagnosis, and incinerators in 66 health facilities for medical waste disposal.
On the lingering issue of brain drain in the health sector, Dr. Ajetunmobi acknowledged that while financial incentives such as salary increases and hazard allowances have been implemented, many healthcare professionals still leave due to other factors such as security, education, and better living conditions abroad.
She added that the government is actively working on additional incentives, including uniform allowances, rural allowances, and residency training funds to make local medical practice more attractive.
Ajetunmobi said, there are efforts to curtail disease outbreaks. Strategic interventions, particularly in response to the rise in malaria cases during the raining season. A statewide mosquito net distribution campaign was carried out from August 1 to 7 as a preventive measure.
Highlighting the role of the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), the commissioner said the agency continues to provide vital healthcare access to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, students, and prisoners. Under programs like sustainable action for economic recovery (SABER), and “Irorun Wa, Irorun iya,” beneficiaries receive subsidized care, with registration and support centers available at the Oyo state health insurance office at the Agodi secretariat.
Regarding inactive or poorly functioning hospitals, Dr. Ajetunmobi clarified that not all are under government purview. For state intervention to occur, a formal process must be followed. She added that the government is systematically assessing secondary health facilities across geopolitical zones to identify and revamp those in need.
She further emphasized the government’s approach to replacing health workers who retired, migrated or emigrated through the “Exit Replacement” initiative, vacant roles are promptly filled, and willing retirees are allowed to continue service under locum contracts.
The commissioner added that the state government is also making an effort to tackle medicine shortages. The state has initiated the establishment of Drug and Health Commodity Management Agency (DMA), this is awaiting assent by His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde (FNSE, DSc, GSSRS). The agency is expected to streamline drug supply chains and ensure the availability of essential medicines across health facilities.
Dr. Ajetunmobi concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare, stressing that the improvements seen so far reflect Governor Makinde’s broader vision for sustainable health reforms in Oyo State.
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