The Ondo State Government has unveiled a fresh healthcare reform agenda focused on medicines security, local pharmaceutical production, improved diagnosis, clinical nutrition and increased private-sector participation in the health sector.
The Senior Consultant on Pharmaceutical and Medical Investments to the state government, Dr. Samuel Adekola, disclosed this during a familiarisation visit to the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo.
Adekola said the reforms were aimed at repositioning the state’s health sector for efficiency, innovation and sustainability, stressing the need for stronger institutional partnerships.
He disclosed that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa had approved the establishment of the Ondo State Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Hub.
According to him, the hub would secure the state’s medicines supply chain, deepen local pharmaceutical manufacturing, stimulate biotechnology research and position Ondo State as a regional leader in health innovation.
He described the initiative as a deliberate policy intervention and a forward-looking investment in the state’s economic and health security.
Adekola said the governor had also recently approved the procurement of critical diagnostic equipment for healthcare facilities in the state.
He said the investment would enhance diagnostic capacity, improve early disease detection, support better clinical decision-making and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
The consultant identified UNIMEDTH as critical to the implementation of the reforms, citing its clinical expertise, research capacity and operational experience.
He also stressed the need for a full partnership between UNIMEDTH and the Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency (OSDHCMA).
Adekola described OSDHCMA as the backbone of the state’s medicines security architecture, responsible for ensuring quality, affordability and accountability in the procurement and distribution of drugs and health commodities.
“For us to eliminate stockouts, prevent circulation of substandard medicines, and maintain a transparent supply chain, UNIMEDTH must be fully aligned with the Agency’s systems and processes,” he said.
He disclosed that the agency was poised to translate shortly into a State Drugs and Health Commodities Distribution Centre, with mandates to service both public and private health institutions within and outside the state.
Adekola said comprehensive operational guidelines for the new vision were underway, adding that the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo Ajaka, had given his concurrence for all stakeholders in the sector, including UNIMEDTH, to participate in developing the document.
The consultant also announced a new evidence-based nutrition model for in-patient care across the state.
He said the model, based on global best practices, would recognise nutrition as a clinical intervention rather than a routine service.
According to him, patients would receive meals tailored to their medical conditions, metabolic needs and recovery pathways.
He said the approach would improve treatment outcomes, reduce complications and shorten hospital stays.
Adekola said UNIMEDTH is expected to lead in implementing and refining the innovation, adding that the state government would partner the West Africa Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) on the initiative.
He further urged the Chief Medical Director and management team of UNIMEDTH to conduct a structured assessment and identify areas within the hospital where Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investments could be deployed.
He listed diagnostic services, imaging, specialised clinics, digital health infrastructure and biomedical engineering, among others.
Adekola said Governor Aiyedatiwa has consistently demonstrated political will and strategic commitment to strengthening the state’s health sector.
He said the state is entering a new phase defined by strategic reforms, stronger partnerships and clear performance expectations.
In his response, the Chief Medical Director, UNIMEDTH, Prof Michael Gbala, commended the Ondo State Government for its efforts to improve the institution and the health sector over the last three years, saying the changes recorded are noticeable.
Gbala said the difference between the present health system and what obtained several years ago was evident, particularly with the return and availability of medical professionals.
He called for improved drug supply and better management of medicines to ensure that patients had access to essential and lifesaving drugs when needed.
He urged health facilities to maintain stocks of scarce but critical medicines, stressing that some drugs might not be frequently required but could become lifesaving during emergencies.
Gbala specifically cited anti-venom, saying health facilities must have it available because a patient who suffered a snake bite could not afford to wait for the drug to be sourced.