In a bid to improve healthcare accessibility, the Oyo State Government has unveiled plans to convert selected Primary Health Centers (PHCs) into 24-hour medical centres.
The announcement, communicated by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, reveals the government’s commitment to addressing existing challenges within the health sector. Plans to bridge manpower gaps were also outlined during a comprehensive two-day retreat attended by health practitioners and stakeholders.
The Oyo State Ministry of Health utilized the retreat as an opportunity to strategize on mobilizing resources, coordinating partner activities, and aligning with the current administration’s roadmap for Health Care Development.
Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Commissioner for Health, emphasized the pivotal role of the retreat in devising a collective roadmap to elevate the health sector. He highlighted Governor Makinde’s dedication to health improvement and the administration’s accomplishments in strengthening the healthcare system.
A significant resolution from the health stakeholders involved a commitment to enhance inter-agency collaboration for more effective service delivery. To address manpower shortages, especially in primary healthcare centres, the health community pledged to deploy innovative approaches, such as engaging qualified personnel through capitation and alternative channels.
The government’s determination to progressively diminish manpower gaps was underscored in the statement, with a simultaneous move to advance additional primary healthcare centres to operate on a 24-hour basis. Additionally, there are plans to elevate specific Primary Health Centers to Secondary Health Care Centers, thereby expanding the scope and quality of healthcare services in Oyo State
