The Governor of the state of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has stated that quality health care delivery is the most precious resources that the present administration intends to give to the people of the state who voted him into office.
The Governor stated this in Osogbo while delivering a keynote address at the training conference for “Healthy population and Assured Economic Prosperity” organised by the National Institute For Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).
The Governor who was represented at the programme by the Secretary to the state government, Prince Oluwole Oyebamiji said that it is for that reason that three months after assuming office, the government flagged off the revitalisation of three General Hospitals across the three senatorial districts and 332 Primary Health Centres – one per ward – to deliver adequate, equitable, quality and affordable health care for the people of Osun
He stated further that the administration also fortified the Health Insurance Scheme with free premium component for the vulnerable in the State, adding that the government’s approach to health care delivery is holistic to bring all the citizens into the health care delivery net.
Oyetola described the 3-Day Phytomedicine Training Conference for Healthy Population and Assured Economic Prosperity as apt especially at this time when the entire world is battling with the Coronavirus pandemic which is a threat to human existence.
The Governor called on Pharmacy practitioners and relevant stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the technology and knowledge-driven 21st Century to engage and invest in cutting-edge research and top-notch capacity building to develop affordable medicines for a healthy and prosperous continent and the nation.
He added that for the National Institute for Research and Development to succeed in its effort to improve access to health and stimulate socio-economic development through the development of contextual phytomedicine, it must adopt best practices in its engagements.
According to governor Oyetola ” Science and research have shown over the years that the solution to human illnesses and ailments lies in herbs,which we have in abundance in Nigeria and Africa.”
“The Challenge,therefore ,is for practitioners to employ technology to turn our abundant herbs to medicine for the health and prosperity of our people “
In his own address,the Ooni Of Ife ,Oba Enitan Ogunwusi,Ojaja ii who was represented by Professor Esimai Olapeju Adefunke explained that the solution to all problems is in herb which osun is endowed with.
Oba Ogunwusi maintained that though he had developed some herbal solution to some ailments but went further to partner with Research institutes towards improving the traditional medicine.
He however admonished the Herbal medicine practitioner in the state not to rest in their efforts in providing health solution to the needles in our society.
Also speaking ,the convener of the 3 Day Conference who doubles as the Director General and Chief executive of National Institute For Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD),Dr Obi Peter Adigwe said Phytomedicine can yield millions of Dollars for Nigeria as a Country is its properly harness.
Dr Adigwe said Osun is a state that is naturally blessed with materials that is needed for the practice and development of phytomedicine .
He therefore pleaded with the State government of Osun to support the Traditional Medicine practitioners in the state in a drive to further develop the phytomedicine in the state.
Other speakers includes the Commissioner for health,Dr Rafiu Usamot ,Commissioner For Tourism and Culture Dr Simeon Obawale who was represented by the Director Hotel and Hospitality,Mrs Akinyemi Stella Olusola and the President,Association of Traditioner Medicine Practitioner ,Mr Jimoh Bakare.
Jelili Tiamiyi
SSG Office