Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Governor of Ondo State says his administration is committed to ensuring access to affordable healthcare for all residents of the State.
Aiyedatiwa stated this during the official flag-off of the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for the informal sector, held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), Akure, on Monday.
The Governor harped on the importance of collective efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability, adding that health is a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of human development.
He said the scheme will cater for artisans, market women, farmers, commercial transport operators, and private sector workers across the State.
The Governor said: “I am delighted that we have been able to create a sustainable source of funding that lowers the financial barriers to healthcare for our residents. It is on this premise that I stand to usher in a breath of fresh air in our healthcare delivery system with the ORANGE HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME, designed for those in the informal sector.
“Our painstakingly conceptualized vision as an administration rightly accommodates qualitative and accessible healthcare delivery in order to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3.8 that pointedly strive to achieve the global theme of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Our administration once again has demonstrated political will in line with the need to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC)”, he said.
The Governor highlighted that ORANGHIS has already been successful among public servants since its inception in 2022, acknowledging the foundational work laid by his predecessor, the late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, in establishing ORANGHIS for public servants.
Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the leadership of the organized labour unions for their support in implementing the scheme for public servants, calling it a model of collaboration.
He reeled out the ongoing healthcare initiatives under his administration, particularly the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme, which covers antenatal care, delivery, and other essential services for pregnant women and children under five. He noted that since 2019, the scheme has benefited over 46,740 residents.
Speaking directly to the residents of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa encouraged participation in the scheme, stating: “I urge all political leaders, philanthropists, and individuals to enroll themselves and their communities in this life-changing program. Together, we can improve our health indices and ensure qualitative healthcare delivery across Ondo State.”
He also assured the people that his administration remains committed to upgrading the state’s healthcare infrastructure. He mentioned the ongoing construction of 250-bed hospitals in Akure and Ondo, the recent recruitment of healthcare workers, and the enhancement of doctors’ salaries to retain medical personnel. Furthermore, the governor promised the timely completion of the permanent office for the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, in his welcome address, stated that ORANGHIS for public servants has great relief on both enrollees and their dependants, noting that it has encouraged healthier and more productive public service.
He commended the Governor’s efforts in the health sector including recruitment of health workers for the PHC in the 203 wards and the secondary health facilities in the 18 Local Government Areas in the state, adding that the 250-bed hospital buildings in both Ondo and Akure UNIMEDTH complexes would be completed soon to enhance service delivery to residents.
The Director-General, Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, who described health insurance as a pragmatic way of solving Nigeria’s dwindling health indices, said that the state will be among the top five states with the highest health insurance coverage in the country by year 2027.
He added that the commission is in partnership with the State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency for the supply of quality drugs and medication to all health providers at affordable rate.
The Director General, National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, lauded government’s contribution to the premium of ORANGHIS beneficiaries.
He noted that the initiative aligns with federal government’s drive to achieve universal health coverage which, according to him, is a critical agenda of achieving the sustainable goals.
He assured of the authority’s commitment in supporting the commission to ensure its success.
The State Coordinator, World Health Organization, Dr. Dele David, commended the commitment of government to the attainment of universal health coverage, adding that the organization will continue to support the state to ensure that more people access qualitative health care delivery in the state.
The Director General, DAWN Commission, Dr Seye Oyeleye, commended the expansion of the scheme to the informal sector, calling on the sector to take advantage of it.
Thr Representative of the Country Director, International Labour Organization, Emmanuel Danjuma, assured of the commitment of the organization in Nigeria to extend the health insurance scheme through a donor fund, hoping to work with beneficiaries of the scheme for better healthcare delivery.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 9, 2024.
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