ABAYOMI, FINNIH-AWOKOYA ASSUME DUTIES AS COMMISSIONER, SPECIAL ADVISER FOR HEALTH
… Seek Support, Collaboration of Health Sector Stakeholders
The newly sworn-in Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya assumed duties yesterday, pledging to work with all stakeholders to revamp, remodel, reposition, and repurpose the State health sector to be the medical tourism destination of choice in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Speaking at the reception ceremony held in their honour by management and staff of the Ministry of Health, Abayomi and Finnih-Awokoya solicited the support and cooperation of all stakeholders in the health sector to drive the health mandate of the present administration towards improving access to qualitative and efficient health services and attaining universal health coverage.
Abayomi, who expressed his gratitude to the Governor and people of Lagos for allowing him to serve a second term as the Commissioner for Health, assured that he is fully committed to striving for the improvement of the healthcare system in Lagos State.
The Commissioner noted that one of the key initiatives his team will focus on will be transforming healthcare infrastructure and addressing the issue of brain drain in the medical field.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Health recognises the valuable contributions of alternative health practitioners and will work towards providing them with necessary training and accreditation, as well as integrate them into the State healthcare system.
Abayomi thanked the Permanent Secretaries in the State Health Sector particularly the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye; Permanent Secretary Health Service Commission, Dr. Ademuyiwa Eniayewun and the Permanent Secretary Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa for holding forth after the last cabinet was dissolved.
Speaking in the same vein, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya stated that her mandate in the Ministry is geared towards the progress of the health sector anchored on partnership, collaboration and friendship.
Finnih-Awokoya noted that she will bring her years of experience in the health sector, particularly at the primary health level, to bear in the discharge of her duty, promising to right all wrongs and work with everyone to deliver quality, efficient and equitable healthcare services to the citizenry.
She thanked the Governor of Lagos State for giving her the rare opportunity to serve the people of Lagos, pledging to serve diligently with compassion, empathy and without fear or favour.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye said the appointment of Prof Akin Abayomi and Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya as Commissioner and Special Adviser respectively signals a good omen for the State health sector, noting that it is the beginning of great things to come in the sector.
While stating that the sector is complex and constantly under the scrutiny of citizens, Ogboye averred that the task before them is not going to be an easy one. He, however, noted that the unbundling of the health sector into health districts for ease of administration will be of great help in achieving the health mandate.
The Commissioner and Special Adviser were received at the Conference Room of the State Ministry of Health by top government officials in the health sector.
