By Rotimi Agboluaje, Ibadan

The Oyo State Government has begun a comprehensive upgrade of 66 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state, equipping them with essential medical tools and alternative power sources to ensure improved healthcare delivery.

Speaking during the distribution of equipment at one of the newly upgraded PHCs in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described the revitalisation of the PHCs as a crucial milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare at the community level.

Ajetunmobi said following the earlier renovation of over 200 PHCs, the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has embarked on the second phase of its healthcare revitalisation plan, distributing modern medical equipment and installing solar-powered systems to guarantee uninterrupted healthcare services.

The commissioner explained that two facilities in each of the state’s 33 local government areas were selected for the current upgrade.

She said, “Healthcare is one of the pillars of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration under Omituntun 2.0. The Oyo State Government has been addressing the infrastructure and personnel gaps in the sector.”

“Governor Seyi Makinde continues to fulfil his promises by tackling the non-availability of basic medical equipment and personnel in our health facilities,” she added.

She highlighted that following the renovation of the health facilities, the government recruited over 3,000 healthcare workers for PHCs and has now proceeded with the equipment upgrade in phases.

In Phase I, 66 PHCs have been selected based on criteria such as patient load, with two centres chosen from each local government.

The upgrades include: Installation of 10 KVA Solar Inverter Systems with hybrid inverters and lithium batteries to provide 24-hour electricity supply; Provision of two computer tablets (for Medical Records Officers and Officers-in-Charge) equipped with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software; Installation of Red-Brick Incinerators for safe medical waste disposal.

Ajetunmobi further announced plans to implement a Drug Revolving Fund to ensure a steady supply of essential medicines at the PHCs.

She urged community members to take ownership of the facilities and protect them against vandalism.

In his remarks, Managing Director, First Health Dynamic Synergy International Limited, Professor Temitope Alonge, whose organisation executed the upgrades, explained that the selection of PHCs was based on population served.

“No more excuses in our primary healthcare centres. The state government has made provision for basic medical equipment for the use of medical personnel at their facilities,” he said.

At the Olorisa-Oko PHC in Akinyele Local Government, the council chairman, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for prioritising healthcare at the grassroots level.

He pledged the local government’s continuous support, including providing adequate security for staff, facilities, and equipment.

Among the first facilities to benefit from the upgrade is the Odo-Ona Elewe PHC in Oluyole Local Government.

The medical equipment provided includes: Standing Mobile and Table-Top Electronic Sphygmomanometers; Pediatric Blood Pressure Cuffs; Glucometers; Haemoglobinometers; Infrared Thermometers; Bucket Autoclaves powered by gas cookers;

Autoclave tapes and drums; Colour-coded dustbins and metal dustbin racks; Medical oxygen cylinders with accessories; Nebulizers; Pulse oximeters; Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) Kits (HIV/Syphilis RDT, HBSAG RDT); First Aid Boxes for POCT storage; Filling of oxygen and cooking gas cylinders; Adjustable spanners for oxygen cylinders.

With these upgrades, the Oyo State Government continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and quality for all residents of the state.