Ondo teaching hospital hails Aiyedatiwa for health sector reforms

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is receiving commendation for significant reforms within the state's health sector, particularly from the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo.

The hospital's Chief Medical Director, Prof. Michael Gbala, highlighted the implementation of enhanced allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and Consolidated Health Salary Structure as a "landmark intervention." He stated that these improved welfare packages have boosted staff morale and enhanced healthcare delivery. Gbala noted that Ondo State is now the first in Southwest Nigeria and among the first nationally to implement these enhanced professional allowances.

This improved welfare has reportedly attracted a high number of consultants and skilled healthcare professionals, leading to UNIMEDTH experiencing its largest influx of specialists in eight years. The state government has also been recognized for releasing the Medical Residency Training Fund, expanding internship opportunities, and granting permanent employment to over 100 security personnel.

Furthermore, the hospital is set to benefit from newly procured medical equipment, including a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, a 160-slice CT scanner, a 3D digital mammography system, a 4D ultrasound machine, and digital X-ray equipment. The installation process is expected to begin soon following final technical assessments. The hospital is also upgrading its neonatal services and plans to launch a neonatal nursing training program.

Governor Aiyedatiwa's administration has also focused on maternal and child healthcare through initiatives like the Abiyamo Safe Motherhood Scheme and the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Programme, which offer free services. The approval of residential quarters for resident doctors within the teaching hospital is seen as another step towards strengthening specialist training and emergency care.

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The governor’s decision is a landmark intervention that had significantly boosted staff morale, improved healthcare delivery and positioned the Sunshine State as the first state in South-West Nigeria and among the first in the country to implement the enhanced professional allowances.