Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has approved the free enrollment of inmates in the correctional centres across the state into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS).
The Executive Secretary of the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA), Dr. Rasaq Akintunde Akindele, announced this on Tuesday during a press conference held at the agency’s conference hall in Osogbo.
According to him, the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to ensuring healthcare access for all residents of the state, irrespective of social or financial status.
Dr. Akindele also explained that the approval followed a passionate appeal by the Controller of Corrections in Osun State, Olalekan Rotimi Oluwadele, during a courtesy visit to the governor.
He, however urged the inmates to reciprocate this kind gesture
by obeying the rules and regulations of their centers.
His words, “This is in fulfilment of the electoral promises of Mr. Governor to make the healthcare of the inhabitants of Osun State a priority regardless af the State’s financial buoyancy.
“You will recall that not too long ago, Mr. Governor ordered the free enrollment of the Pensioners into OHIS. Their treatınent is completely free even without the payment of the 10% on drugs as required by other enrollees. Till date, over 26 thousand pensioners
are enjoying this gesture by Mr. Governor and the number is still counting. Recently, the federal government (like some other States) have emulated this laudable gesture at the federal level.
“Almost immediately after this, Mr. Governor also approved
the enrolment of people with disabilities into OHIS, completely
free of charge. Not only were they registered into OHIS for free they were also provided with life support gadgets. Numerous wheelchairs (including motorised wheelchairs), crutches, walking sticks caring aids, visual aids, ultraviolet umbrella and creams etc were given to these categories of people in Osun state.
“As if these are not enough, and recognising that visual
impairment could result in significant poor academic performances, His Excellency approved the screening of all pupils and students of all Public Primary and Secondary School in the
State. 450,000 students were screened, 46,000 of them were found to have visual impairment of which 43,000 needed corrective glasses and were all provided for.
” Those who also needed medications were given free. Those were few ones who needed surgery and this was also accorded to them free of charge.
“The approval of the enrolment of the inmate of the correctional Centers in Osun State stemmed from the passionate appeal by the Osun State Controller of Corrections Olalekan
Rotimi Oluwadele (MNIM) during his courtesy visit to His Excellency when he arrived in Osun. Since inmates are also residents of Osun and after serving their terms will still be reintegrated back into the society, their health is the concern of Mr. Governor. This gesture is from a clear heart and mind and
devoid of any political inclination.
“This also shows that Osun State
government is ready to collaborate with federal (and even international) agencies for the benefit of our people regardless of any political affiliation.”
Also speaking at the briefing, Chairman of the OSHIA Board, Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji, commended the governor for the initiative, noting that inmates deserve adequate healthcare.
“Inmates are also Nigerians, and hopefully we expect them to be back to the state. They need to be healthy, not only physically but also cerebrally. We appreciate our Governor for this kind gesture once again.” He noted
