The Ekiti State Government, has lauded the federal government for donating multi million naira medical equipment and consumables to the state to bring radical improvement to the health sector.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the commendation in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, while handing over hospital equipment and drugs donated by the federal government to the Primary Healthcare Development Agency(EKSPHDA).
The Deputy Governor revealed via a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, that the materials, were donated by the Nigerian Maritime Safety Agency(NIMASA), to uplift the quality of healthcare delivery in the state.
Mrs Afuye added that the materials will be distributed to primary healthcare facilities in seven local government areas across the three senatorial districts, for effective and quality service delivery.
The Ekiti’s number two citizen itemized the equipment and consumables to include: ECG Machine to be donated to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital(EKSUTH), Urine Analyser to Oba Adejugbe General Hospital, hospital beds, Sunction machines, wheelchairs, stethoscopes, drugs, among others.
She averred that Governor Biodun Oyebanji places high premium on the health and wellbeing of the citizens, which accounted for the enrolment of an aggregate of 3.6 Millon residents into “Ilera wa” health insurance scheme, 10,000 pensioners for insurance coverage and 210,619 girls vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus.
“I want to emphasize that Ekiti State Government places high premium on the primary healthcare and wellbeing of Ekiti people. The state has put in place various health initiatives like enrolment of 3.6m residents into Ulera Wa healthcare insurance scheme.
“Over 400,000 residents benefitted free healthcare delivery in 2024, 10,000 pensioners captured into our insurance policy, 71,293 screened for diabetes and hypertension, 210,619 girls vaccinated against HPV, provision of tablets to all primary health facilities and provision of 600,603 vitamin A supplements to children.
“I appreciate NIMASA for counting Ekiti worthy of these donations. We know it can’t go round, but we value it and I appeal to our health professionals to make effective and quality use of these materials”, the Deputy Governor stated.
The General Manager, EKSEMA, Mr. Oludare Asaolu, was upbeat that the equipment will enhance human capital development, which encompasses improved and radical health care improvement and general welfare of the citizens, as encapsulated in Oyebanji’s policy thrust.
The SEMA boss added that the philanthropic gesture would go a long way in boosting access to healthcare delivery , improve the proficiency of medial staff and abate the indexes of child and maternal mortality rates in the state.
In his submission, the Chief Medical Director, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Prof Kayode Olabanji, commended Governor Oyebanji for his huge investment in the sector, saying this has helped in mitigating mortality and morbidity rates.
“If you go round our health facilities, so many projects are ongoing. Since he assumed office, Governor Oyebanji has donated many equipment to EKSUTH. There is no investment that is too much for the health sector, because health is wealth”, the medical practitioner said.
In their submissions, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Gbenga- Igotun, and Executive Secretary, EKPHDA, Dr Rasheed Adepoju, said the partnerships with productive agencies and private bodies, attested to the fact that Governor Oyebanji places high premium on the welfare of Ekiti citizens.
They said partnerships with corporate bodies and federal government agencies, have helped in crashing the indices of maternal and infant mortality through improved access to healthcare and enhanced professionalism in the health sector.