The Ondo State Government has issued a stern warning to Directors of Primary Health Care (PHC) across all 18 local government areas, urging them to be proactive in executing their responsibilities or face immediate replacement.
The government made it clear that negligence and subpar performance in the primary healthcare system—critical for grassroots access to medical services—will no longer be tolerated.
Speaking at a one-day strategic engagement with PHC Directors held in Akure, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHCDA), Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, stated that the meeting was convened to reaffirm the administration’s commitment to improving residents’ well-being through efficient, affordable, and equitable healthcare services.
He explained that the engagement aimed to assess the performance of PHC facilities, identify operational challenges, and strengthen service delivery in line with the state government’s broader development blueprint.
Dr. Akanbiemu further stressed the importance of aligning local government PHC coordinators with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s “OUR EASE” agenda, which places health and social welfare at the centre of inclusive governance.
He added that the Aiyedatiwa administration has invested significantly in the health sector, both in terms of infrastructure and manpower, and therefore expects enhanced results in all local governments.
“The government has approved the recruitment of additional medical doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to strengthen our service delivery. Governor Aiyedatiwa has also consistently released funds for key projects and programmes in the sector. Therefore, any PHC Director who fails to meet expectations is not in tune with the current administration’s vision and will be replaced,” he warned.
Dr. Akanbiemu expressed concern over the performance of some critical health indicators, particularly immunisation coverage, at the local government level.
He urged PHC Directors to intensify community outreach and sensitisation programmes to encourage mothers to bring their children for immunisation.
“Ondo State has for years been a leading light in immunisation coverage and primary healthcare delivery. We must not allow complacency to reverse our gains. Every child in Ondo State deserves access to essential vaccines, and it is our collective duty to ensure that,” he stressed.
He also revealed that the Agency is developing new strategies to support healthcare workers operating in rural and hard-to-reach areas, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing gaps in human resources and logistics to ensure quality healthcare is accessible to all.
Dr. Akanbiemu acknowledged Governor Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering support and prompt release of funds for the Agency’s operations. He commended diligent PHC coordinators for their dedication while cautioning that officials found wanting would face sanctions.
Also speaking, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, encouraged the coordinators to double their efforts, stating that achieving 100 percent success across all health indicators is possible with renewed commitment, teamwork, and accountability.
PHC Directors from Akure South, Dr. Adeyemi Osowe, and Akoko Northeast, Dr. Rhoda Ige, said the engagement had reignited their sense of duty and motivated them to step up community-based healthcare initiatives. They described the meeting as timely, providing clearer strategies for more impactful and results-driven healthcare delivery.
The event was attended by top officials of 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).
