Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Friday inaugurated 10 ambulances, 10 patrol vehicles for security agencies and presented official cars to newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.
Aiyedatiwa, at the event, which took place at the Government House in Akure, said that healthcare delivery goes beyond policy pronouncements and the construction of hospital buildings.
He said that the provision of ambulances and tricycles would further strengthen emergency response, especially in rural communities.
Aiyedatiwa stressed the importance of rapid response to emergencies, particularly road accidents, noting that despite urban renewal initiatives and the installation of traffic lights, accidents could not be eliminated.
He said that the ambulances would ensure the prompt evacuation of victims from homes and accident scenes to hospitals.
“To us, the delivery of medical services goes beyond policy statements and is not just about building healthcare centres,” the governor said.
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Aiyedatiwa also commended medical personnel in the state for their efforts in delivering quality healthcare services.
According to the governor, quality healthcare includes access to genuine drugs and prompt transportation of patients to hospitals.
On security, Aiyedatiwa said that Sunbeth Global Concept, led by Mr. Olasunkanmi Owoeye, donated 10 Toyota Hilux vehicles to support security operations in the state.
He said the vehicles would be deployed to the police, civil defence, the military, the air force, airport services, and the anti-land-grabbing task force, urging the agencies to use them strictly for official purposes.
The governor also presented official vehicles to permanent secretaries in the state, describing civil servants as the engine room of government.
He said incentives such as promotions, bonuses, leave allowances, and official vehicles were necessary to enhance productivity and warned against unauthorised use of government property.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, said the exercise marked the second phase of vehicle distribution, adding that only about three retirees and a new set of Permanent Secretaries were yet to benefit.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, said the ambulances were procured to strengthen emergency medical response services.
Ajaka said the fleet comprised three advanced life-support ambulances and five basic life-support ambulances, describing the procurement as the first of such scale in many years.
He added that additional ambulances had been captured in the current year’s budget.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretaries, Mrs. Yemi Pirisola thanked the governor and pledged their loyalty and commitment to his administration and service to the people of Ondo State.
NAN
