Oyo Allocates 7.5% Council Budget To Primary Healthcare

Oyo State government has allocated 7.5 per cent of the local government statutory budget to primary healthcare to significantly strengthen the state’s health system.

The executive secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Muideen Olatunji, who disclosed this during a chat with newsmen in Ibadan, explained that the initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision to ensure equitable access to health care for all residents of the state, particularly those in underserved rural areas.

He noted that the health care contributory investment was complemented by the state and federal governments.

The executive secretary disclosed that the state government had so far embarked on the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of about 300 primary health care centres out of the 351 wards in the state.

He added that the remaining facilities were already at different stages of completion and would soon be delivered to the people.

In addition to infrastructural expansion, Olatunji announced that the government had prioritised the recruitment of health workers across all cadres.

‎He revealed that doctors, nurses, midwives, and other frontline workers were being employed to staff the newly revitalised health centres, ensuring that communities not only receive buildings but also the professionals needed to provide care.

‎Olatunji noted that residents could now access consultations, maternal care, child immunisation, and treatment of common illnesses directly within their localities without unnecessary referrals to Ibadan or other major towns.