The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, accusing him of overseeing a deteriorating health sector since assuming office 10 months ago. The party expressed concerns about the shortage of medical personnel and the declining state of medical facilities across the state.
According to PDP Publicity Secretary Kennedy Peretei, the exodus of doctors to neighboring states offering better incentives has worsened healthcare services in Ondo, particularly in rural areas. Peretei lamented that Ondo, once a hub for medical tourism in the Southwest, is now struggling to meet basic healthcare needs.
“There are alarming shortages of medical professionals,” Peretei said. He highlighted a stark contrast in staffing levels, noting that hospitals such as those in Iwaro-Oka, Ipe, Irele, and Idoani, which previously had at least five doctors each, now operate with just one doctor per hospital, leading to avoidable deaths.
The PDP further criticized Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, stating that despite surviving a political crisis earlier this year, his administration has failed to improve healthcare services.
In response, Kayode Fasua, the State Information Director of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organization (LACO-FSIC), dismissed the allegations as fabrications. Fasua emphasized that the challenges in the health sector are part of a national issue, pointing to the administration’s efforts to recruit more healthcare professionals and enhance healthcare delivery through a newly launched health scheme.
Fasua maintained that Aiyedatiwa has been working diligently to address the brain drain affecting the sector, refuting claims of inaction as politically motivated.
