Opposition lock heads over health sector in Ondo

The Peoples Democratic Party chapter in Ondo State has criticized the All Progressives Congress, which is now in power, for the state’s inadequate public hospital system and has accused them of neglecting the health sector. The PDP asserted in a statement released by Mr. Kennedy Peretei, its publicity secretary, that under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s direction, healthcare facilities throughout the state had deteriorated, resulting in a breakdown in healthcare services. Peretei brought attention to the problem of inadequate labor and poor working conditions for healthcare workers.

There are now only 22 resident doctors at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Ondo, down from 150 in prior years, according to a report he referenced from the Nigerian Medical Association. Furthermore, the hospital is deficient in specialty resident physicians in pediatric surgery, mental health, and orthopaedics. “Previously having at least five doctors each, the state General Hospitals in Iwaro-Oka, Ipe, Irele, and Idoani now have just one doctor per hospital, who is on call duty for the entire week and still attends to the day-to-day running of the hospital,” the statement said. The PDP also claimed that doctors boycotted the state’s recent healthcare personnel recruitment drive because the pay was less than in other states.

According to the party, Ondo’s admission standard for doctors is Grade standard 12 Step 3, unlike the Federal Government’s authorized Grade Level 13 Step 2, which has been followed by other states. “Even though Ondo is financially stronger than most of these states, doctors employed by the state are migrating to neighboring states like Ekiti, Oyo, Lagos, and Kwara, which offer better conditions of service,” Peretei continued. The PDP’s accusations were rejected by the pro-APC organization Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organization Foot Soldiers, who said that they were politically driven and without merit. The group contended that the health sector had seen notable advancements under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

The group claimed, “The PDP is resorting to fabricating lies against Governor Aiyedatiwa, who has been praised for his outstanding performance in healthcare,” in a statement released by Mr. Kayode Fasua, Director of Media and Publicity. “The governor significantly reduced the cost of healthcare delivery by introducing an improved healthcare program throughout the state.” The group also made the point that there is a national physician deficit, not just one in Ondo State. “The administration has started a large hiring spree of health professionals, especially physicians and other medical personnel, in order to solve the situation. The PDP’s distortions are nothing more than an attempt to grab attention,” Fasua stated.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has set November 16, 2024, as the date of the Ondo State gubernatorial election; the PDP and APC clash occurs fewer than 50 days before that date.