In a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility, the Oyo State Government has announced plans to upgrade selected Primary Health Centers (PHCs) into round-the-clock (24-hour) medical centers.

This initiative aims to provide residents with uninterrupted access to essential medical services, particularly during emergencies.

The announcement comes as part of a comprehensive strategy developed during a two-day retreat attended by health practitioners and stakeholders. The retreat focused on addressing prevailing challenges within the health sector and devising solutions to enhance healthcare delivery across the state.

In addition to expanding the operational hours of PHCs, the government also pledged to address the manpower shortage in the health sector. This includes attracting and retaining qualified medical professionals, particularly in rural areas.

“We are committed to ensuring that all residents of Oyo State have access to quality healthcare,” stated the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. “By upgrading our PHCs to 24-hour facilities, we are taking a major step towards achieving this goal.”

The Oyo State Ministry of Health is currently working on identifying the PHCs that will be prioritized for the upgrade and developing a timeline for implementation. The ministry is also engaging with partners to secure the necessary resources and support for this initiative.

The expansion of 24-hour PHCs is expected to have a significant positive impact on the health of Oyo State residents, especially those living in underserved areas. By providing ready access to medical services, the government hopes to reduce preventable deaths and improve overall health outcomes.