Oyo state government has promised to sustain its collaboration with the federal government and other agencies in the provision of qualitative healthcare services for the residents.

Governor Seyi Makinde gave the assurance at the flagged off a five-day free Vesico Vaginal Fistula Repair program ( VVF) aimed at ensuring obstetric fistula patients awaiting surgery in the state and the country enjoy normal life after reproduction.

Correspondent Kunle Ojo reports that Makinde who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Olubamiwo Adeosun,  at the event held at Jericho Nursing Home, Ibadan, said his administration would not relent in promoting policies and programmes that will address health challenges confronting all and sundry.

According to him the free program,  supported by  Federal Ministry of Health, Fistula Foundation of Nigeria, United Nation Population Fund ( UNEPA) and Global Affairs Canada, is a continuation of the delivery of qualitative health care to the people of the state and neighbouring states.

On his part, the Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Basir Bello thanked the Governor for the initiative adding that more residents will benefit from it.

Makinde, who maintained that the program would contribute immensely to the economic development of women and families in the state, said the state of maternal and child care remains a determinant in assessing the performance of health sector of any nation.

In their separate remarks, the Consultant in Charge of Adeoyo Hospital, Dr. Ayinde and Prof. Dosu Ojengbede declared that Vesico  Vaginal Fistula is a devastating injury that is common in Nigeria at the ages of 11 to 15 years.

They added that with the opening of the centre more women, especially those that could not afford the financial burden of the disease will benefit immensely.

Also, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Babatunde Olatunji said over an hundred patients have benefited from the programme.

They commended the federal government and other partners for coming to the aid of women suffering from the disease and their commitment to the course of maternal  and child survival in the state.