By Jabar Ogundele
Anytime I saw the 250-Bed Specialist Hospital directly opposite the governor’s office in Abeokuta, the state capital , my heart sinks. No thanks to the former administration who built it half way and brought the president to commission non functioning medical facility.
I understand that government is continuous, but thanks to the incumbent governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who (unknown to many like me) had taken steps to make the facility working and accessible for the public immediately he got to office.
It was a news that gladdened my heart when the government announced that the abandoned medical facility will start operation by March 2025.
I sincerely commended Prince Dapo Abiodun for various efforts in the health sector, but this aspect deserved a double applause because the facility should be the biggest medical asset of the state, located at the Central Business District (CBD) of the state capital.
Posterity will never forget Prince Abiodun who went extra mile to bring investors, consulted several organizations and management firm and later come to agreement with a promise to start operation in six months.
According to the governor, he said “We are resolute in our mission to ensure this world-class facility serves the people of Ogun State. Following a rigorous process of months of negotiation, we are excited to finally close the concession partnership for this hospital.”
“This hospital facility is an ongoing development in partnership with Viewpoint Health Management Services Limited, which is in partnership with HealthShare South Africa, a very reputable hospital management company. This stands as a testament to our shared commitment to delivering state-of-the-art healthcare to our people.”
Before this administration, accessible and affordable healthcare services at both primary and secondary health care levels were a mess. This administration has revamped the major health care centers with modern equipments, and adequate medical personnel.
The operation of this medical facility by June 2025(with state of the earth facilities) will change the narrative of medical tourism to other countries, and direct neighboring states to our dear state for medical services.