Ondo Unveils Health Reforms, Targets Stronger Public-Private Investment
Korede Abdullah 
ONDO, Nigeria – The Ondo State Government has unveiled a broad healthcare reform agenda aimed at strengthening medicines security, expanding local pharmaceutical production, improving diagnostic services and increasing private-sector investment in healthcare.
The Senior Consultant on Pharmaceutical and Medical Investments, Dr. Samuel Adekola, disclosed the plans during a familiarisation visit to the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo on Monday.
Adekola said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had approved the establishment of the Ondo State Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Hub, which is expected to improve access to quality medicines, promote local drug manufacturing and support biotechnology research.
He also announced the procurement of critical diagnostic equipment and urged stronger collaboration between UNIMEDTH and the Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency (OSDHCMA).
“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.
According to Adekola, the agency will evolve into a central distribution hub for medicines and health commodities serving both public and private healthcare facilities across the state.
He further disclosed plans to introduce an evidence-based nutrition model for hospital patients while encouraging the teaching hospital to identify investment opportunities in diagnostics, medical imaging, specialised healthcare services and digital health through public-private partnerships.
Responding, the Chief Medical Director of UNIMEDTH, Prof. Michael Gbala welcomed the reforms but stressed the importance of ensuring adequate supplies of essential medicines.
He noted that emergency patients requiring life-saving treatments should not experience delays due to shortages of critical drugs.
“A snakebite victim cannot afford to wait for antivenom to be sourced before receiving treatment,” Gbala said.
The reforms form part of Ondo State’s broader strategy to modernise healthcare delivery, strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains and expand access to quality medical services through strategic partnerships.
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