UNIMED Teaching Hospital’s Family Medicine Department Expands Access to Quality Healthcare Across Ondo State
The Family Medicine Department at UNIMED Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo State, is making a profound impact on the healthcare landscape through its unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive and inclusive care to individuals and families across all age groups and health conditions.
According to the Head of Department, Dr. (Mrs.) Titilayo Alege, the department has established strategic partnerships with the hospital’s Social Support Services, through the Department of Social Work, to conduct means testing—an initiative aimed at identifying and supporting indigent patients. In addition, the department is collaborating with the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission to ensure access to affordable healthcare for financially disadvantaged individuals.
Dr. Alege shared two notable cases highlighting the department’s compassionate outreach. Miss Kayode Kehinde, a young woman under the age of 30, registered under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund with the ID OND/ONW/DE/09/04/98, presented with general body weakness. Upon examination, she was found to be pale and had elevated blood pressure (140/100 mmHg).
Similarly, Mrs. Chiamaka Ebuchi, a 29-year-old smoked corn vendor from 12 Ebindo Street, Ondo City, registered with OND/ONW/F/KA/JI/15/08/90, visited the outpatient clinic with her husband and was diagnosed with Hepatitis B—a condition that, if untreated, could progress to liver cancer. Both patients received timely and effective medical care, despite financial constraints, thanks to these support mechanisms.
Dr. Alege also emphasized the department’s home-based medical care service, specifically designed for elderly citizens. This initiative helps to address common barriers to hospital access, such as transportation challenges, distance, and cultural beliefs.
She further underscored plans to expand collaborations with state government health agencies to deliver medical services directly to patients’ homes—an effort aimed at enhancing community outreach and healthcare delivery.
Earlier, the Acting Chief Medical Director of UNIMEDTH, Dr. Michael Gbala, praised the Family Medicine Department’s dynamic and multifaceted role in improving healthcare access across Ondo State. He highlighted its significant contributions to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), especially for vulnerable populations including the rural poor and indigent patients.
Dr. Gbala commended the commitment of the UNIMEDTH team, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of qualitative and affordable healthcare. He described the Family Medicine Department’s work as a model of primary healthcare excellence, demonstrating the essential role of accessible, patient-centered services.
Oluwatope Akinjide
Head, Media and Publicity
UNIMEDTH
27th May 2025
