The primary healthcare system in Oyo State has undergone a historic transformation under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Muideen Olatunji, Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board (OYSPHCB). With a mission rooted in innovation, integrity, and inclusivity, Dr. Olatunji has turned Oyo State into a national model for grassroots healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
✅ Over 200 PHCs Revitalized Across All LGAs in Oyo State
Dr. Olatunji has successfully led the rehabilitation and upgrade of more than 200 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across Oyo’s 33 local government areas. These centers now feature modern medical equipment, improved infrastructure, and round-the-clock service delivery—bringing quality healthcare closer to the people, especially in underserved rural communities.
👨⚕️ Recruitment of Over 1,000 Health Workers
In a bold move to strengthen service delivery, over 1,000 new health workers have been recruited under Dr. Olatunji’s leadership. This includes doctors, nurses, midwives, community health officers, laboratory technicians, and environmental health specialists, strategically deployed across PHCs to close manpower gaps and improve response times for patients.
This massive recruitment has not only reduced the burden on existing staff but has also improved healthcare accessibility, boosted staff morale, and created new employment opportunities across the state.
👩⚕️ Maternal and Child Health on the Rise
Oyo State’s maternal and child health indicators have significantly improved through targeted interventions like free antenatal care, Safe Motherhood initiatives, and expanded immunization coverage. Public trust in state-run health facilities has increased, resulting in higher hospital births and reduced maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
💉 Immunization and Disease Surveillance Strengthened
Oyo State’s immunization coverage has climbed from below 60% to over 85% in several local government areas. The deployment of disease surveillance teams and real-time public health reporting tools has greatly enhanced the state’s preparedness and response to outbreaks such as Lassa fever, cholera, and COVID-19.
🌐 Digital Health Innovation: A Statewide Rollout
Dr. Olatunji has led a major digital health revolution in the state’s primary healthcare system. With the deployment of electronic medical records (EMRs), mobile data tools, and interactive health dashboards, decision-making is now faster, more accurate, and data-driven. These innovations place Oyo among Nigeria’s most forward-thinking states in healthcare tech adoption.
🧠 Workforce Capacity Building
In addition to new recruitment, over 3,000 existing health workers have benefited from intensive capacity-building programs covering essential health services, data collection, infection control, and emergency response. These trainings have enhanced clinical competence and service quality across the entire PHC network.
🏡 Community Engagement and Ward Development Committees
Recognizing the value of grassroots involvement, Dr. Olatunji revived Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and rolled out community health outreach programs. These efforts have boosted community ownership of health facilities and promoted public awareness on key issues like hygiene, nutrition, vaccination, and family planning.
🤝 Strategic Partnerships and Funding Support
Through his advocacy and leadership, Dr. Olatunji has attracted critical support from international and national partners such as WHO, UNICEF, NPHCDA, and several development NGOs. These partnerships have provided the board with equipment, technical training, and funding, helping sustain the rapid growth and improvement of the state’s PHC system.
🚧 Addressing Challenges with Strategic Planning
Despite tremendous progress, challenges like infrastructure maintenance, rural workforce shortages, and funding gaps remain. However, Dr. Olatunji’s strategic plans and systems-based approach have provided a solid foundation for long-term sustainability.
🌟 Conclusion: A Blueprint for Health Sector Transformation
Dr. Muideen Olatunji’s achievements in Oyo State’s primary healthcare sector reflect what is possible when visionary leadership meets community-focused public health policy. His blend of innovation, professional development, digital transformation, and community engagement has made Oyo a national reference point in primary health delivery.
As Nigeria pushes for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Oyo State’s transformation under Dr. Olatunji stands out as a model worth replicating nationwide.