Lucky Aiyedatiwa Approves 500-Bed Hospital, Boosts Psychiatric Care In Ondo

The Ondo State Government has approved the construction of hospital facilities with a combined 500-bed capacity across the state, alongside plans to expand and upgrade mental health infrastructure.

According to Ireporter Online, the approvals were made during the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held at the Governor’s Office in Akure.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, explained that the projects are part of a wider healthcare reform aimed at improving access to medical services through the establishment of multiple 100-bed and 50-bed hospital facilities across key locations in the state.

He disclosed that 100-bed hospitals will be built in Ikare-Akoko, Ore, and Okitipupa, while an additional 100-bed facility will be added to the State Specialist Hospital. A new specialist hospital is also set to be established in Igbokoda.

Dr. Ajaka further stated that 50-bed hospitals have been approved for Irele and Igbokoda, alongside the development of two general hospitals designed as integrated “one-stop shop” healthcare centres, offering laboratory, X-ray, consultation, and pharmacy services under one roof.

He noted that once completed, the projects are expected to significantly enhance healthcare delivery and reduce waiting times across the state.

The Commissioner also revealed that the council approved the construction of a new neuropsychiatric hospital, as well as the upgrade of the existing Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Akure, in response to rising cases of mental health disorders and substance abuse. He said the current facility is overstretched, adding that the expansion would improve treatment conditions and patient privacy.

In addition, the Executive Council approved a revised cost for the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission building to accommodate expansion needs, as well as the procurement of modern medical equipment for the Government House clinic. Advanced diagnostic machines, including CT scan, MRI, and mammography equipment, are also expected to be installed at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has criticised the administration, describing its governance pace as slow and reactive. The opposition party, in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Public Communications, Wándé Àjàyí, questioned the timing of the Executive Council meeting, reportedly the first in 2026, and argued that the delay reflects a lack of urgency in governance.

The PDP further faulted the focus on new hospital projects, insisting that existing healthcare facilities are underfunded and poorly equipped. While acknowledging the need for expansion, the party maintained that priority should be given to revitalising current hospitals to improve service delivery across the state.