- Distributes medical equipments to OHIS accredited government health facilities
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Wednesday presented eyeglasses and drugs to 42,000 pupils with visual impairments in public primary and secondary schools across the state under the Imole School Eye Health Programme.
The Governor also distributed multi-million naira worth of medical equipment acquired through the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) for accredited government health facilities under the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS).
Adeleke, while speaking during the event held at Government Technical College, Osogbo, said Imole School Eye Health Programme, like other health interventions initiated under OHIS, is a testament to his administration’s genuine dedication to the welfare of people in the state
He added that the initiative is aimed at ensuring all enrolees receive the highest standard of medical care like surgeries at no cost, promising it will soon be extended to private schools, ensuring that no child is left behind.
According to him; “The Imole School Eye Health Programme, like other health interventions initiated under OHIS, is a testament to our administration’s genuine dedication to the welfare of our people. This initiative has positioned Osun State as a trailblazer in healthcare delivery, and it is no surprise that we were recently recognized as the best-performing state in the Southwest across all primary healthcare indices.
“This initiative is designed to ensure comprehensive eye screening for all pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools across the state. Those identified with visual impairments will receive necessary interventions, including corrective eyeglasses, essential medications, and, where required, surgical procedures.
“I am pleased to announce that every one of them will receive the appropriate treatment at no cost. We began this intervention in public schools as a pilot phase, and I assure you that we will soon extend it to private schools, ensuring that no child is left behind.
“In addition to this landmark initiative, we are also unveiling multi-million naira worth of medical equipment acquired through the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) for accredited government health facilities under the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS). This investment is aimed at ensuring that all enrolees receive the highest standard of medical care.”
Speaking further, the governor said in response to the passionate appeal of the State Controller of Correctional Services, he has approved the enrolment of 1,200 prison inmates into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme.
In his remarks, Rasaq Akindele disclosed that 345,000 students were screened and over 42,000 have been diagnosed with varying degrees of visual challenges.
He appreciated Governor Adeleke, Parents and Students for their support and cooperation towards the initiative.
“We are here for the Imole School Eye Health which is to bring relief and comfort to students of public primary and secondary schools in Osun State. Quite a number of students perform poorly in schools, not because they are not intelligent but because they have problem with their sight. They couldn’t see what the teachers write or demonstrate on the board. A lot of them strain to read their books and what is the result of this, poor academic performance. This is a concern to Mr Governor and he approved that we look into it and give good sight to our students.
“So far, we have successfully screened 345,000 students, and over 42,000 have been diagnosed with varying degrees of visual challenges”, he concluded.
