In a concerted effort to expand healthcare access across Osun State, the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) convened a crucial meeting with the Members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to advocate for increased enrollment in health insurance, particularly targeting the informal sector.
The parley, which took place at Hotel De Ritz in Owode, Ede on Friday, April 19, 2024, brought together key stakeholders including members of the State House of Assembly, State Cabinet Exco Members, and ALGON. The event highlighted the pivotal role of OSHIA in revolutionizing healthcare delivery in Osun State.
Dr. Rasaq Akindele, Executive Secretary of OSHIA, expressed gratitude to attendees for their support and acknowledged the unwavering backing of Governor Ademola Adeleke in advancing the State Health Insurance Scheme. Dr. Akindele outlined the significant achievements made within just six months of his tenure, including automation of the operation of the agency, free surgery and medical care for the aged citizens, the enrollment of 23,000 pensioners and the inclusion of persons with disabilities and those living with HIV/AIDS.
During the session, Dr. Akindele appealed to ALGON to follow the lead of lawmakers who pledged to enroll a minimum of 100 constituents each into the scheme.
Hon. Commissioner for Health, Barrister Jola Akintola, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Akindele Adekunle, lauded OSHIA’s initiatives to enhance healthcare services and commended Governor Adeleke’s commitment to revitalizing primary healthcare centers across the state.
The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Adewale Egbedun who was represented by the Chairman House Committee on Health Hon. (Prince) Abolarin Fasope, reiterated the legislative commitment to support the vision of the agency in enrolling 3 million residents into the health insurance scheme.
While reacting, the ALGON Chairman Hon. Sarafadeen Awotunde who represented by the Vice Chairman Hon. Barr. Rotimi Adeyenuwo appreciates the State Health Insurance Agency for the innovative and vision to ensure that the good people of the state access quality healthcare with little fund. He assured that, as a start and to take the advocacy of the importance of enroling with the agency to the grassroots, the Local Government Chairmen in the State shall support the scheme by ensuring that, no fewer than 200 persons in each of the Sixty-Nine Local Governments and LCDAs get enrolled into with the agency.
The engagement concluded on a high note with participants enjoying camaraderie and pledging collective efforts towards ensuring universal access to quality healthcare services for all residents of Osun State.
Signed:
Segun Odewumi
Information Officer, OSHIA
