Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has said that the State is on course to take her rightful place in achieving a healthier society.

He stated that, his government is committed to ensuring that the people of the State have unhindered access to quality health care delivery.

He spoke as Special Guest of Honour at Pharmaceutical Society Of Nigeria ( PFN ), Ondo State Pharmacy week and World Pharmacists’ Day 2022 held at Pharmacy House, Alagbaka Akure on Tuesday.

Governor Akeredolu who was represented by his Deputy, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the event said, “one of the major bold steps that we took on assumption of office in 2017, was that, the two Mother and Child Hospital in Akure and Ondo that their activities were already being affected were revived and services extended to five other towns in the other two Senatorial Districts” .

“We have launched the Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme ( ODCHS ) and the Abiyamo Mother and Child Health Insurance Scheme ( AMCHIS ) under which over 24,000 have benefited since December 2019 and signed the UNIMEDTH into law” .

Highlighting his administration efforts in strengthening the health sector, Governor Akeredolu disclosed that, “the workforce in the health sector has been strengthened with the recruitments of several health practitioners including Consultants, Nurses, Physiotherapists and Pharmacists across all level in the health sector”.

“In order to further expand the frontiers of effective and quality health care in the State, we have approved and established the Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodity Management Agency ( ODHCMA ) with the Bill signed into law and ready to take off with the completion of the Administrative Block which is ready for commissioning any moment from now” , he said.

The Governor who was decorated with the Outstanding Performance Award at the event also disclosed that his government has approved Consultancy cadre for Pharmacists in the public service in the State.

The state has equally extended the tentacles of the pharmacy profession with the establishment of the Faculty of Pharmacy at UNIMED and inauguration of the Cannaheal Community which is a notable invention towards expanding the socio economic prosperity of the State, he disclosed.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Chairman of the event, Pharm. Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi MFR, congratulated the association, while preaching for a united and formidable Pharmacists in the country.

In his own speech, PFN President, Prof Cyril Usifoh appreciated Ondo State Government for the love shown to members of the profession as couple of Pharmacists in the State have been appointed as Permanent Secretary, including the current PS, Ministry of Health, Pharm. ( Mrs ) Foluke Aladenola.

The keynote speaker, member, House of Representatives, Okitipupa/ Irele Federal Constituency, Hon ( Pharm. ) Gboluga Ikengboju tasked members on the need for a united and committed association for a healthier world.

While the State chapter chairman of the association, Pharm. Robinson Eniola Akindeko equally harped on the need for a united healthcare professionals.

“The way to a healthier world, is the way of unity among health care professionals and all of us should endeavour to go this way” , he appealed.

The event attracted government officials including, Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Olateju-Ademola, Special Adviser on Health, Professor Dayo Faduyile, Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaye, Head of Service, Pastor Olaniyi Ogundele MNI, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Pharm. ( Mrs ) Foluke Aladenola, Vice Chancelor, UNIMED, Professor Adesegun Fatusi and others.