By Abooluwa Famakinwa, Akure
As part of strategy to achieve Universal Health Coverage, the Ondo State Government has launched the State’s Contributory Health schedule, kick-starting it with the Abiyamo Maternal And Child Health Insurance Scheme.
Speaking at the launch which held at the Mother and Child Hospital in Akure, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said Health is a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of human development and a global priority, hence his administration has decided to accord it it’s pride of place.
Arakunrin Akeredolu said the SDG goals emphasizes Universal Health coverage which includes financial risk protection and understanding financial incapability of Residents of the State, his administration decided to prioritise the health of Pregnant Women and Children Under Five by paying their premium.
To have effective and efficient health facilities to drive the programme, the governor promised to employ more Health Workers.
He added that to prevent the scheme from being bastardized ,the Residency Card ,code named Kaadi Igbeayo and other conditions ; such as minimum of four antenatal visits for Pregnant Women, among others are prerequisites to benefit from the scheme
The Governor said for easy access, the scope of providers have been expanded from two Mother and Child Hospitals to seven, which is spread across the three senatorial districts of the state.
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in his remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye commended the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for taking the bull by the horn in providing insurance cover for Pregnant Women and Children Under Five
He said Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance scheme is one with a well defined sustainability consideration as it has been well structured as one of the products developed and managed by the State’s Contributory Health Insurance Commission.
Dr Adeyeye added that the scheme is not one of those free maternal health services aimed at scoring cheap political points with ambiguous, poorly planned, rashly implemented, below quality and unsustainable free health schemes , but one conceptualised to work and is sustainable.
The Special Adviser warned that the commission will be strict in ensuring the eligibility criteria for the scheme in order to ensure that only residents of the state benefit from it.
In his address, the General Manager of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Abiodun Oyeneyin opined that good healthcare is a tool for tackling poverty and increasing economic growth and development.
In his words, the scheme will lead to massive reduction in maternal and infant mortality and bring about economic empowerment of residents and the State.
Dr Oyeneyin said the launch of the scheme and the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme is a testimony to the Governor’s resolve for a working and sustainable legacy.
He placed on record his indebtedness to stakeholders for believing in the commission’ s mandate ,while advocating for more, which will result in better coverage and consequent increase in the overall indices of health care service delivery in the State.
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While thanking members of staff of the commission for their commitment, doggedness and sacrifices, the General Manager charged them not to rest on their oars till all residents of the state have one form of health insurance or the other.
In his goodwill message, the Consultant to the Governor on the Contributory Health schedule, Dr Funso Ani thanked the Governor for the political will that the scheme enjoyed from the planning stage of the program.
Dr Ani further said with the commitment of the Governor and Stakeholders, the implementation of the program must be guarded jealously.
Also speaking, the State Chairman Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr Olawale Oke commended the commitment and achievement of the Governor in the health sector.
He pleaded with residents not to abuse the scheme like was done to that of the last administration.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro said the Abiyamo Maternal and child health insurance scheme will enhance health care.
delivery in the State .
Dr Adegbenro added that the scheme which is a partnership between the State Government and Residents ,will protect Pregnant Women and their children from financial and health risks associated with pregnancy and childhood.
He pledged the readiness of the Seven Mother and Child Hospitals to the provision of world class health care services to Pregnant Women and Under Five Children.
Other activities which heralded the launch of the Ondo State Contributory Health scheme and the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance scheme are:
Sighing of contractual agreement between the Ondo State Contributory Health commission with the CMDs of the 7 designated Mother and Child Hospitals,Observation of the registration process of Pregnant Women , presentation of the state Residency Card to them, as well as the donation of delivery pack to the State Government by an NGO called Mercyfield Foundation.
Abooluwa Famakinwa Press Officer Health .
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