The Oyo State Government has commenced 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 at the grassroots level.

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

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

She 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.

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

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

In Phase I, 66 PHCs were selected based on criteria such as patient load, with the two centres in each Local Government chosen.

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.

Temitope Alonge, Professor and Managing Director, First Health Dynamic Synergy International Limited, in his remarks, 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.

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