By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
By Olumide Akinrinlola
When Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa assumed the role of governor, the health sector in Ondo State was in a state of disarray. As a journalist and publisher of Starnews NG, I documented the grim realities faced by residents, many of whom were victims of the deteriorating healthcare system.
Six months into Aiyedatiwa’s term, I began highlighting the urgent need for reform, driven by heartbreaking stories of lives lost due to inadequate medical facilities and resources.
One particularly poignant case involved a pregnant woman whose tragic death was attributed to the lack of essential equipment for blood transfusions and the absence of ambulances to transfer her for proper care. Her story was not an isolated incident; numerous reports emerged of patients succumbing to preventable conditions due to the dire state of healthcare services.
This prompted a series of articles, including “Ondo Health Sector in Shambles,” “Ondo Health Crisis Deepens,” “Ondo SSG’s Death Exposes State’s Health Crisis,” “Patients at Risk in Ondo Government Hospitals Over No Functional Ambulances,” and “Ondo Nurses on Strike Over Poor Welfare,” all aimed at urging the Aiyedatiwa’s government to take action and address the inherited problems.
In two years as Ondo State Governor, it is only fair to recognise Aiyedatiwa’s responsiveness to these calls for reform. The narrative surrounding healthcare in Ondo is shifting, not only in health but also across sectors such as energy, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. The “OUR EASE” policy of his administration has prioritised road construction, urban renewal, and healthcare, dedicating over 60% of the 2025 budget to capital expenditure.
Recently, the Ondo government reactivated the Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System in the state, addressing critical medical emergencies such as road traffic accidents and obstetric complications. The acquisition of new ambulances and the renovation of existing ones have significantly enhanced the efficiency of the healthcare delivery system.
Despite political distractions aimed at misinforming the unsuspecting public, including the dissemination of images of tricycles (kekes) intended for rural healthcare access, it is important to highlight that Aiyedatiwa’s administration has successfully procured a fleet of high-quality ambulances to strengthen emergency services throughout the state.
Furthermore, the administration has upgraded 112 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state’s 203 wards, including a facelift for the General Hospital in Agadagba Obon, ensuring that healthcare facilities are both accessible and affordable.
In a groundbreaking development, Ondo State has emerged as a leader in medical oxygen production with the commissioning of its first Medical Oxygen Plant, inaugurated by Governor Aiyedatiwa in August 2025. This facility is expected to greatly enhance healthcare delivery and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
The recent announcement regarding the recruitment of healthcare workers across various cadres in the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board (HMB) further reinforces the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services. Positions approved for recruitment range from medical officers and nurses to pharmacists and laboratory scientists, reflecting a comprehensive approach to staffing in the health sector.
In a significant milestone for the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Ondo (UNIMEDTH), essential medical equipment has been procured and distributed across key clinical areas. This initiative includes the acquisition of high-end multiparameter monitors, specialised equipment for eye care, and new incubators for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, all aimed at enhancing patient care and improving clinical outcomes.
During a recent distribution ceremony, Professor Akinwunmi Akinbodewa, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, praised the Ondo State Government for its unwavering support in the ongoing development of the hospital.
He highlighted the comprehensive upgrade of UNIMEDTH, which now boasts advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, including a 160-slice cardiac-enabled CT scan and a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine. Plans for a fully equipped In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) unit further demonstrate the commitment to expanding specialised healthcare services.
As the narrative continues to evolve under Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, it is clear that the health sector in Ondo State is undergoing a positive transformation. With ongoing reforms and a renewed focus on infrastructure and human resources, the people of Ondo are beginning to see a healthcare system that prioritises their needs and well-being.
Olumide Akinrinlola is the publisher of Starnews NG Online Newspaper.
Hon. Comrade James Onifade