Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has inaugurated the Orange Health Insurance Scheme, a comprehensive program tailored to meet the healthcare needs of informal sector workers, including artisans, traders, farmers, and commercial transport workers, as part of his administration’s strategic investment in the health sector to guarantee universal access to affordable and quality healthcare.
Governor Aiyedatiwa announced this
initiative at the formal unveiling of the Orange Health Insurance Scheme
(ORANGHIS) for the informal sector, held on Monday at the International
Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure, marking a significant
milestone in his administration’s efforts to expand healthcare access.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of collective efforts to
improve healthcare accessibility and affordability, stating that health
is a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of human
development.
He expressed pride in launching the scheme, which he believes will cater to 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.
The Governor showcased his administration’s healthcare initiatives, including the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme, which has provided antenatal care, delivery, and other essential services to over 46,740 pregnant women and children under five since 2019.
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 dependents, 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.
Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, Director-General of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), emphasized that health insurance is a practical solution to addressing Nigeria’s declining health statistics. He confidently predicted that by 2027, Ondo State will rank among the top five states in the country with the highest health insurance coverage, demonstrating the state’s commitment to revolutionizing healthcare accessibility and outcomes.
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 rates.
The Director General, National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, lauded the government's contribution to the premium of ORANGHIS beneficiaries.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the 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 the 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.
Emmanuel Danjuma, Representative of the Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting the health insurance scheme in Nigeria through a donor-funded initiative. He expressed the ILO’s eagerness to collaborate with beneficiaries of the scheme to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure improved health outcomes.
Post a Comment