The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for neglecting the health sector, highlighting a significant decline in medical facilities since he took office 10 months ago. In a statement released on Monday, the party’s publicity secretary, Kennedy Peretei, expressed concern over the deteriorating state of healthcare across Ondo.
Peretei pointed out that there is a severe shortage of medical doctors and healthcare personnel in Ondo, as neighboring states attract skilled practitioners with more appealing packages. He noted that Ondo was once a medical tourism hub in the South West but has now seen a drastic decline in its healthcare offerings, particularly in rural areas.
“There is no doubt that luck played a role in the governor’s survival during his impeachment saga, which ultimately led to his elevation to the governor’s office following the death of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu,” said Peretei. “However, Aiyedatiwa’s luck seems to have run out, as evidenced by the current state of health facilities and personnel.”
Peretei referenced a February warning from the Nigerian Medical Association, which provided Aiyedatiwa with a seven-day notice before going on strike, shedding light on the alarming conditions within the health sector. The association reported that only 22 resident doctors are currently employed at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Ondo, down from a previous count of 150.
Additionally, he highlighted that general hospitals in Iwaro-Oka, Ipe, Irele, and Idoani, which once had a minimum of five doctors each, are now staffed with only one doctor per hospital. This lone physician manages call duties while also handling daily hospital operations, contributing to the rising number of avoidable deaths within these facilities.
The PDP’s remarks underscore the urgent need for the Aiyedatiwa administration to address the healthcare crisis in Ondo State to restore public confidence and improve health outcomes for its citizens.