Yomi Oyekan, the Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor, has come forward to support the government's initiative of deploying tricycle ambulances at the Federal University of Technology, Akure Teaching Hospital complex. This defense comes in response to social media criticism, where some individuals have expressed outrage over the unconventional choice of tricycles for emergency aid. Oyekan characterized these vehicles as a 'strategic addition' to the existing healthcare infrastructure rather than a replacement for conventional ambulances.

In his posts on Facebook, Oyekan pointed out that the tricycle ambulances are specifically designed to address the challenges faced by emergency healthcare services in rural and hard-to-reach communities. He elaborated that conventional ambulances often struggle to navigate narrow roads, riverine areas, and remote locations, making the modified tricycles a practical solution for ensuring timely medical assistance in these regions. By promoting this initiative, the state government aims to enhance accessibility to emergency healthcare in areas that are typically underserved.

The introduction of tricycle ambulances raises important discussions about the adequacy and adaptability of public health resources in Nigeria, especially in rural settings. As Oyekan noted, the criticism might stem from a lack of understanding of the unique challenges that these communities face. This initiative reflects a broader trend towards utilizing innovative solutions to improve healthcare delivery, which could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar access issues. Through this program, the Ondo State government hopes to highlight its commitment to improving health outcomes by leveraging local resources effectively.