OUR EASE AGENDA: State Specialist Hospital Conducts Medical Outreach At The Ondo Correctional Centre
July 10, 2025
In line with the "OUR EASE" agenda of His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and in consonance with the removal of the correctional home from exclusive legislative list of federal government to the concurrent list, the state specialist hospital Ondo has pioneered efforts at making a bold statement about the state government readiness to make life comfortable for the inmates in all correctional centers in Ondo State. The State Specialist Hospital Ondo carried out a comprehensive medical outreach at the Ondo Correctional Centre in Ondo City.
The State Specialist Hospital team, led by Matron Adeoye Grace, was warmly received by the Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), Lateef Tajudeen Olarenwaju, and his delegation. This is a consequence of the collaborative decision between the Acting Chief Medical Director, Dr. Adeola O. Akintade and the DCC on the need for such health support and well-being for the inmates.
The outreach began with a public health talk delivered by Matron Adeoye, focusing on preventive healthcare, early detection, and management of common illnesses. Her presentation covered essential topics including personal hygiene, infectious disease prevention, and the importance of seeking timely medical care.
The initiative featured free medical consultations, basic health screenings, and the distribution of essential medications, reinforcing the hospital's mission to deliver quality healthcare beyond its physical premises. The event also marked a significant collaboration between state health institutions and correctional facilities to uphold the healthcare rights of inmates and promote broader public health goals.
During the outreach, DCC Lateef Olarenwaju gave insight into the current state of healthcare within the correctional centre. He noted that the facility is staffed with qualified medical professionals certified by the Nigerian Medical Association, who are employed by the Nigerian Correctional Service and are always available to attend to inmates.
Despite this, he acknowledged several challenges, primarily due to inmate overpopulation. He highlighted the shortage of medications as a pressing issue, though he credited support from the federal government, NGOs, philanthropists, and other partners with helping to ease some of the burden.
Looking ahead, the DCC expressed a strong commitment to improving healthcare services in the facility. "We are working with the government to secure more medical equipment, medications, and qualified personnel," he said. "Proposals have been submitted, and the Minister of Interior has shown a willingness to support these improvements."
Also speaking during the event, Matron Oriola O.J., the matron in charge at the correctional centre, identified skin rashes and malaria as the most prevalent health issues among inmates. She explained that while inmates have access to healthcare within the facility, emergency cases are initially managed with first aid and subsequently referred to government hospitals for advanced treatment.
Matron Oriola praised the outreach effort, describing it as a timely intervention that would facilitate early diagnosis and improve the overall health outcomes of the inmate population. She also emphasized the centre's ongoing health education efforts, which include regular sessions on personal hygiene, disease prevention, and the importance of early symptom reporting.
"This kind of outreach not only strengthens healthcare access for inmates but also supports their rehabilitation and reintegration," she added.
The medical outreach stands as a testament to the power of inter-agency collaboration in addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations and promoting a healthier society for all.
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