Ekiti State Governor, Mr, Biodun Oyebanji, has declared free malaria treatment for children under five years, pregnant women and the aged in the state in addition to free delivery for pregnant women.

These would be enjoyed in all the 177 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state, under the Ulera Wa Scheme.

Governor Oyebanji made this known in Ado Ekiti last Tuesday when he unveiled the Okesa Comprehensive Health Centre, fully equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment in Ado Ekiti, as part of activities to mark the first anniversary of his administration.

He stated that the welfare and well-being of the citizens remained a top priority of his government, adding that he would not leave anyone behind in the provision of quality health services, especially for children under five years of age.

The governor stated that his administration, had more than ever before, allocated more resources to both secondary and tertiary health institutions in the state, having approved an aggressive and immediate renovation of those facilities in the state.

On welfare, the governor hinted that health workers in the state have started enjoying hazard allowance and other benefits since March 2023, just as his government has also given approval for Hospitals Management Board to fill consequential vacancies occasioned by retirement of various cadres of workforce to allow for effectiveness of the sector.

He said he had promised the people of the state during his electioneering that he would make healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone, especially the vulnerable populace, adding that he would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the people live a good and healthy life.

Oyebanji, who cut the tape declaring facility open, thanked members of the Response Resources Mobilization Committee (RRMC) for the wonderful job they did during the COVID-19 pandemic, and urged them to rejig their efforts towards pulling more resources to the state to enable his administration drive effective and a desired health sector that would be the envy of other states of the federation.

He said the Primary Health Centre is the gateway to any healthcare delivery, adding that that was the reason he had joined hands with his siblings to build a maternity facility in Aramoko Ekiti General Hospital in memory of their late mother, which is due for launch later in the year.

The Governor also revealed that his government has approved the hosting of the 64^th National Council of Health in Ekiti State with the belief that their deliberations in the state would have positive and indelible impact on the healthcare delivery in the state.

According to him, “I am here this evening to inaugurate this newly equipped facility, which was built through the effort of the Response Resources Mobilisation Committee (RRMC) in collaboration with Ekiti State Government.

“This administration has now equipped this facility to ensure it serves our people. You will agree with me that the health of Ekiti citizens takes front burner in the programmes and policies of our administration. We are living to our determination and promise not to leave anyone behind in matters if health services delivery.

“Our commitment in ensuring universal health coverage is daily yielding impressive results, as the state’s flagship health insurance programme known as ‘Ulera wa’ has become accessible in 177 health facilities in the state, fully covering children under age five as well as some people with disability.

“With Ulera wa, no woman should have to pay for delivery at any of our PHCs in Ekiti State. To ensure services are available at the point of use, we have in addition to this facility committed resources to our secondary health facilities as well. Our tertiary health facility, EKSUTH, is currently being worked upon to make sure that our critical infrastructure is well maintained to provide comfort, quality and safe healthcare for our clients.” (THISDAY)

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