The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced that his administration will soon commence the disbursement of grants and facilities to the 236 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state. This move, according to the governor, is aimed at ensuring that these centres meet the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Governor Abiodun made this disclosure while receiving the executive members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), who were in Ogun State for their 44th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference. The governor emphasized the commitment of his administration to improving the healthcare infrastructure in the state.

“We have grants and facilities from multilateral organizations that we are going to begin to expend very soon, which will allow us to have a minimum of 236 primary health care centres built in line with the requirements of the World Health Organization,” he said.

The governor further affirmed that the focus on primary healthcare would be matched by continued investment in secondary and tertiary health institutions. Additionally, the administration will prioritize human capital development by investing in the training of doctors and healthcare personnel.

Prince Abiodun highlighted the renovation of about 100 primary health care centres across the state, noting that these facilities have been equipped with solar energy, digital communication systems, and digital record-keeping for efficient patient management.

Governor Abiodun also reassured the healthcare community that his administration remains committed to their welfare. He pointed out that the state government has consistently paid hazard allowances to doctors and has approved the payment of accoutrements and Clinical Duty allowances to further motivate health workers.

In his address to the NARD delegation, the governor encouraged the association to continue holding conferences and meetings that foster knowledge sharing and collaboration to enhance healthcare delivery across the country. He pledged the government’s support for resolutions aimed at improving the health sector.

“I want to encourage you to continue to meet like this, to share knowledge and experiences, and come up with ways and means to improve healthcare delivery. When you come up with these resolutions, we in government would like for you to forward them to us so we can give you the needed support,” the governor said.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, Governor Abiodun mentioned the successful implementation of the state’s health insurance scheme, which is benefiting the organized private sector and civil service.

Earlier, the outgoing National President of NARD, Dr. Dele Abdulahi, commended Governor Abiodun for his administration’s strides in the healthcare sector. However, he raised concerns about the migration of doctors, both internationally and within Nigeria, which has had a negative impact on the association and the availability of medical personnel in certain states.

“One of the problems plaguing doctors in Nigeria, which affects our association, is the migration of doctors. Of peculiar importance is not just the migration outside of the country, but inter-state migration. It is one of the major problems we are noting, whereby we have an influx to other states,” Dr. Abdulahi stated.

He urged the governor to consider introducing car and housing loans as incentives to curb inter-state migration and retain doctors within Ogun State.

Governor Abiodun’s administration continues to focus on addressing key challenges in the healthcare sector, with plans to strengthen health infrastructure and improve the welfare of medical personnel.