The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic left the world in a dismal state. In many ways, it brought to light just how far the medical space still has to go and emphasized the vital role of a functioning health care system in ensuring the longevity of life.
Even developed countries took a hard hit, so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Nigeria as a nation struggled. But, even with this, there were places in the country where the response to impending health care issues was so swiftly dealt with; they ended up not posing as big a threat as they should.
One of such places is Oyo State. No one could’ve prepared for the pandemic that hit the country. This is what makes the uncanny ability of Gov. Seyi Makinde to take charge and restore order in the midst of chaos truly worthy of applause.
In the past six months alone, GSM has implemented the recruitment of more than 500 health care workers, a feat that no other state has been able to accomplish in recent times. His establishment of numerous functioning medical facilities at the state healthcare facilities from the primary to tertiary level of care to cater for the needs of the people in the state is quite commendable.
While his efforts in the health care space during these trying times have been awe-inspiring, it would be entirely unfair to this esteemed personality to say that he only recently took interest in the field.
Even though everyone knows that access to proper health care and treatment is a fundamental right, it’s no secret that not many state governments actually treat it as such. But, even when GSM was no more than a humble gubernatorial aspirant, he made it clear that he would make access to top-tier medical facilities a major priority. This is one promise that he’s more than made good on if his actions in office so far are anything to go by.
Almost immediately after he assumed office, he conducted what can only be described as an extensive evaluation and analysis of the existing health care system. This led to the identification and eventual renovation of 351 Primary Health Care facilities in the state.
He followed this up with the strategic installation of appropriate health boards for both primary and secondary facilities. Each of which is fully backed by law and has jurisdiction to operate in several areas.
All of these he amply backed up with appropriate funding and timely allocation of resources, not least of which is the N50M paid to the Acceleration Nutrition Result in Nigeria (ANRIN).
GSM also put an end to the kickbacks that had become a cog in the operational wheel of the state's health care, all of which have optimized the operability of this space.
In more recent times, another development the esteemed governor initiated that people all over the state are enjoying immensely is the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA).
It’s an ingenious scheme because it properly accounts for and compensates for the fact that the economy is struggling. With the affordable treatment, it gets people; life is finally getting a semblance of normalcy.
Gov. Seyi Makinde has indeed gone above and beyond in his selfless service to the people and deserves commendation for a good job done such that naysayers are now ye-sayers.
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