The giant strides of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji in the health sector has been described as a game changer by the Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWUN), Ekiti State Chapter.
The chairman of the union, Comrade Femi Ajoloko stated this on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti during the governor’s grassroots engagement and strategic meetings with labour unions ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
Ajoloko said the health sector in Ekiti State has significantly improved through the rehabilitation and re-equipping of General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres, prompt payment of salary and quality healthcare delivery to all residents.
According to him, “You are a promise keeper and I want to appreciate you for the prompt payment of salaries and deductions. Out of your passion, you made sure it is done at the right time. Nobody is running from secondary health facilities to tertiary health facilities because we have the same salary.
“The disparity between the health workers at the state and local government have been breached because we are all on the same salary through your administration.
“Because the governor cares a lot, a construction of 80-bed hospital is ongoing in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. We want to say thank you for increasing the subventions of EKSUTH twice within 12 months. This is unpredictable.
“Late last year, there were renovations of general hospitals and health centres to modern standards. He furnished all the health centres and hospitals with modern equipment. I want to thank you for the prompt payment of pensions and gratuity to our retirees.
“We are not coerced to doing all we are doing. We are praising him because he did very well. Governor Oyebanji is a game changer in the health sector.”
Addressing the MHWUN members, Governor Oyebanji said the health sector remains critical in his administration’s shared prosperity mantra stressing that a healthy people creates wealth and productivity.
While seeking their votes in the June 20 governorship election, the governor described the health workers as partners in the progress and development of the state.
He said: “The health sector is one of the critical sectors in any society because of the nexus between healthy people, productivity, development and prosperity.
“We campaigned on a mantra of shared prosperity that the government must touch everyone in Ekiti State. If a state will prosper, they must engage in productive activities because it is productivity that creates wealth. It is wealth creation that leads to prosperity and if the people are not healthy, they can’t be productive.
“Today, our pregnant women can go to anywhere free of charge and we are doing health insurance. Ekiti has been commended across the health sector indices at the national level.
“As you are thanking me, I am also thanking you for being a partner in progress. I have no doubt in my mind that it can only get better. It’s a commitment that I am making before you like I did four years ago.”
