"Free medical services for children, pregnant women, the physically challenged and senior citizens; establishment of health centres in all localities; increased immunization coverage.”

The Kayode Fayemi-led administration has made giant strides in the health sector within the first 100 days of the administration. The governor recognizes the importance of a healthy population which he believes would have positive effect on the economy of the state, as only healthy individuals can contribute meaningfully to the local per capita income. Quality healthcare delivery is the fifth pillar in the eight-point agenda of the administration and is one of the important standpoints of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Under the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration's blueprint otherwise known as Roadmap to Development, there shall be free medical services for children, pregnant women, the physically-challenged and senior citizens, establishment of health centres in all localities and increased immunization coverage. Governor Fayemi was faithful to his covenant with the people of Ekiti State in declaring free health services in his inaugural speech shortly after taking oath of office. He said: “Your health will be my wealth as we set about fulfilling our promise of an affordable, accessible healthcare for every Ekiti citizen. “In this regard, children at birth up to five years of age, pregnant women, the physically-impaired and senior citizens are exempted from paying medical bills in all government hospitals. “In addition, we shall introduce a social security scheme for all our senior citizens that are 65 and above within the shortest possible time”. Shortly after the turn of the year, the Free Medical Mission to the grassroots communities started to tackle various health problems confronting the populace. It was designed to treat patients suffering from ailments like hypertension, diabetes, eye and dental problems, antenatal care for pregnant women and treatment of people suffering from HIV. Drugs were also dispensed free to the beneficiaries of the scheme. The free medical treatment of the people in the grassroots was packaged by the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration, and intended to treat at least 100,000 people within the first 100 days of the administration. Since the Free Medical Mission carried out in conjunction with the Development Support Initiative (DSI) commenced on January 3, 2011, needy patients in the 14 local government areas visited so far have been trooping out to the local health centres to receive treatment.

According to the interim report released by the head of the medical team, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, a total number of 75,644 patients suffering from various ailments have been treated within the first 14 days of the scheme. rd The interim report covered the patients seen between January 3 when the free medical mission commenced and January 15 after the medical team had reached 14 out of the 16 Local Government Areas of the state. It noted that the target of 100,000 people would be surpassed by the time the administration marks its 100 days in office on Sunday. According to the report, the turnout of the patients at the various local government areas has been very impressive and was in excess of what was envisaged. Patients treated under scheme are categorized into general outpatient, opthamology (eye care) unit, dental unit, reproductive health unit, health education unit and HIV counseling and testing unit.

According to the report, about 90 per cent of the eye patients seen have never had an eye check-up while about 80 per cent of the patients seen by the medical personnel require glasses. Between 200 and 300 bottle of eye drops are dispensed daily for allergic conjunctivitis while the ratio of eye doctors to patients requiring eye care services is 1:120. The report revealed that the incidence of hypertension and diabetes is very high in all the local government areas visited with the majority of the patients unaware of their conditions before testing. Malaria and skin infections are very common in the children treated by medical personnel under the scheme.

On HIV counseling and testing, the report says that there appears to be a slow but steady increase in the prevalence of HIV in the state noting that government needs to increase efforts at keeping or reducing the existing prevalence rate in the state. The report further disclosed that almost all patients treated for dental problems have never visited a dentist before now. The free medical mission of the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration has been designed as a quarterly programme to boost healthcare delivery which is an integral part of its eight-point agenda