Ekiti guber.: I ‘ll generate N72bn annually from health sector, revamp economy – Oluyede

Dr Wole Oluyede, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Ekiti State, has pledged to generate N72 billion annually from the state's health sector as part of a broader economic revamp. He stated this during a campaign event in Ado-Ekiti, where he criticised the current budgetary allocation to healthcare, calling it insufficient for the needs of the population. Oluyede argued that accessible and quality healthcare is a fundamental government responsibility and must be prioritised in public spending. He proposed transforming the health sector into a revenue-generating enterprise through improved infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and efficient service delivery. According to him, the N72 billion projection is based on a detailed economic model that leverages underutilised medical facilities and human resources. "We are not just talking about treating illness; we are talking about building a health economy," Oluyede said. He outlined plans to upgrade primary healthcare centres, attract medical tourism, and establish specialist hospitals across the state's senatorial districts. Oluyede, a medical doctor and former Commissioner for Health in Ekiti State, claimed his administration would reduce patient burden while increasing revenue from user fees, insurance schemes, and partnerships. He did not provide a timeline for when the full N72 billion target would be achieved but insisted the model is viable based on existing data.