_Analysing Abono’s Speech in Healthcare Delivery, Day 4_
Hon. Ahmed Babajide Olanrewaju, popularly known as ‘Abono’ a prominent Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert and aspirant for the Irepodun Constituency seat in the Kwara State House of Assembly, has unveiled a strategic blueprint to overhaul the primary healthcare system in the constituency through the integration of innovative health technology.
The proposal which serves as a key pillar in his “Covenant of Service,” seeks to address the long-standing challenges of medical accessibility, maternal mortality, and emergency response in rural communities across Irepodun Local Government Area.
Speaking during his declaration at Arandun, Olanrewaju who is the Director of ICT at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, emphasised that the future of rural wellness lies in data-driven solutions.
“Our health centres must move beyond being mere consulting rooms; they must become ‘Smart Hubs’ where technology bridges the gap between our people and specialist care,” Olanrewaju stated.
“Drawing from my professional experience in health technology and digital capacity building, I am committed to ensuring that no resident of Irepodun is too far from life-saving medical advice.”
Central to the Abono health agenda is the introduction of telemedicine pilots. The plan envisions connecting primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in rural areas like Arandun, Rore, and Ipetu to a network of specialists via digital platforms. This initiative aims to provide real-time consultations for complex cases, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to the state capital for basic specialist evaluations.
Olanrewaju also highlighted the necessity of transitioning from manual to digital health records.
According to the aspirant, a digitized system will allow for better tracking of maternal health history, immunization schedules, and chronic disease management, ensuring that medical data is preserved and accessible across different facilities within the constituency.
While advocating for technological integration, the ICT researcher noted that the physical state of PHCs remains a priority. His blueprint includes the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and the deployment of tech-enabled emergency response systems to reduce the golden hour delay during medical crises.
“We are not just talking about gadgets; we are talking about a system that works for the grandmother in the village and the expectant mother in the farmstead,” he added.
The aspirant, an APC chieftain, noted that his proposed “Smart Health” framework is designed to align with and augment the health sector reforms of the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration, ensuring that the “Renewed Hope” agenda reaches the grassroots through digital efficiency.