The Ondo State House of Assembly’s Committee on Finance and Appropriation has called on the ministry of health to enhance healthcare services, aiming to improve medical access and quality for residents.

The Committee Chairman Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi made the appeal during the ministry’s 2026 budget defence on Wednesday, emphasising the urgent need for adequate healthcare facilities across the state for citizens and government workers alike.

The ministry is allocated N69.6 billion, representing 14.10 per cent of the overall N492 billion 2026 budget, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving health sector infrastructure.

Mr Ogunmolasuyi commended the state health insurance scheme for its prompt response and dedication to residents’ wellness, urging similar standards of efficiency and service across all agencies within the health ministry.

He also urged the ministry to better equip the House of Assembly Clinic, ensuring it could properly attend to lawmakers’ and staff members’ medical needs with modern facilities and trained personnel.

“Improvements are needed at the Assembly clinic, including ambulances, drugs, and other medical supplies. Government intensify its healthcare efforts, ensuring the sector effectively serves both residents and staff,” Mr Ogunmolasuyi stressed.

The committee chairman emphasised the importance of acquiring medical equipment capable of saving lives, urging sustained investment in diagnostic and treatment tools to reduce preventable illnesses and improve emergency response capacity.

Responding, state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, assured the Assembly that Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration prioritised residents’ wellness, committing to initiatives that strengthened the health sector and expanded healthcare access across the state.

Mr Ajaka encouraged residents to participate in the state health insurance scheme and urged political leaders to advocate enrollment in their constituencies, emphasising the scheme’s ability to ensure wider healthcare coverage efficiently.

“We will focus on equipping the House of Assembly Clinic, and I assure the committee improvements are underway. Allocating more funds to health will result in tangible benefits for the population,” Mr Ajaka said. 

(NAN)