The Osun Health Insurance Agency, OSHIA, on Monday commenced free enrollment of all persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in the state’s health insurance scheme for medical support.
Recall that the State Governor, Ademola Adeleke in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed on July 25, 2024 directed OSHIA to commence free enrollment of all Persons Living With Disabilities in the state’s health insurance scheme.
He said the decision was in line with the fulfilment of the campaign promise to operate an all-inclusive government irrespective of class, religion or political divide and his determination to deliver qualitative healthcare without hindrance to the people of the State.
The governor also approved the procurement of aiding equipment needed for the respective Persons Living With Disabilities to make life more comfortable for them.
Speaking during the enrollment exercise, The Executive Secretary of OSHIA, Dr. Razaq Akindele stated that the State government seeks to provide healthcare for the less privileged in the society, especially PWDs because of their health condition.
According to Akindele, the agency will conduct clinical examinations to identify the specific needs of each individual.
The agency’s boss added that the initiative will also provide essential aids such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, visual aids, and crutches, depending on the beneficiaries’ requirements.
He said, “In continuation of Governor Adeleke’s administration commitment to providing quality healthcare to every citizen of Osun State, I have approved the free enrollment of all PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES (PWD) in all the 30 Local Governments and Area Office in Osun State into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS).
“Subsequently, the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) has today, Monday 29th July, 2024 commenced the registration process of enrolling all PWDs and document their needs such as wheelchairs; walking aids; hearing aids etc.
“The flag-off of the enrollment that kickstarted today in Osogbo, will continue tomorrow in Iwo for the federal constituency, followed by Ede, Ifelodun LG, Ijesha North federal constituency, Ijesha South federal constituency, Ila, Ife and Irewole federal constituencies in respective sequence of each day, while the enrollment continues non-stop in each local councils of the state as well.
“Upon completion of the registration exercise, we will distribute these equipment and enrollment cards that give access to free medical assistance and quality healthcare to all PWDs across Osun State”, he concluded.
The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Osun State Chapter, Mr. Stephen Oluwafemi, applauded Governor Adeleke for his commitment towards improving the lives of people with disabilities in the State.
Acknowledging that good and affordable healthcare is fundamental to the overall well-being of PWDs, Oluwafemi expressed his optimism about the impact the programme will have in their lives, especially with the current economic hardship.
“I encouraged people living with disabilities in the state to take advantage of this free registration and healthcare services because “health is wealth.”
“The initiative is exceptional and urged others with disabilities to register and benefit from the state’s support”, he said.
