The Ondo State Government has issued a strong warning to Primary Health Care (PHC) Directors of the 18 local government areas to be more proactive in the discharge of their duties or face immediate replacement.
The government stated that it would no longer tolerate negligence or poor performance in the primary health care system, which remains the most accessible level of health service for grassroots people.
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During a one-day strategic meeting with primary health care directors in Akure, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, said the meeting was aimed at reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving the well-being of residents through efficient, affordable and equitable healthcare delivery.
According to him, the engagement was organized to assess the performance level of APS facilities, identify challenges and strengthen service delivery in line with the development plan of the state government.
He noted that the session also sought to ensure that local government PHC coordinators align with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s “OUR EASY” agenda, which prioritizes health and social well-being as key components of inclusive governance.
Dr Akanbiemu emphasized that the Aiyedatiwa administration has made significant investments in the health sector, both in infrastructure and human resources, and therefore expects better results across all local governments.
“The government has approved the recruitment of additional doctors, nurses and other health professionals to strengthen our service delivery. Governor Aiyedatiwa has also consistently released funds for key projects and programs in the sector. Therefore, any primary health care director who does not meet expectations is not in tune with the vision of the current administration and will be replaced,” he warned.
He expressed concern that some critical health indicators, particularly immunization coverage, were performing below expectations at the local government level.
The Permanent Secretary urged primary health care directors to intensify community outreach and sensitization programs to encourage more mothers to present their children for vaccination.
“For years, Ondo State has been a leader in immunization coverage and primary health care delivery. We must not allow complacency to reverse our achievements. Every child in Ondo State deserves access to essential vaccines, and it is our collective duty to ensure this,” he stressed.
Dr Akanbiemu also revealed that the Agency is developing new strategies to support healthcare workers in rural and hard-to-reach areas, adding that the government remains determined to close the gaps in human resources and logistics so that all residents have access to quality healthcare.
He appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support and prompt release of funds for the Agency’s operations and commended the diligent APS coordinators for their commitment to their duty. However, he warned that any official found in default will be sanctioned.
Also speaking, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, challenged the coordinators to redouble their efforts, noting that achieving 100 percent success across all health indicators was possible with renewed commitment, teamwork and accountability.
In their remarks, the Akure South PHC Director, Dr. Adeyemi Osowe, and Akoko North East PHC Director, Dr. Rhoda Ige, said the pledge had reawakened their sense of duty and inspired them to intensify community-based healthcare efforts.
They described the meeting as timely and noted that it provided them with clearer strategies to make healthcare delivery more impactful and results-oriented.
The event was attended by senior officials of the OSPHCDA including Mrs. Folasade Ale (Director of Finance), Mrs. Doris Adekanle (Director of Accounts), Dr. Yetunde Olagbuji (Director of Research and Statistics) and Dr. Paulinus Omode (Director of Medical Services).
Newslodge