By Kemi Olatunde & Adedotun Ajayi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has flagged off the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for the informal sector.

To this end, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring access to affordable healthcare for all residents, particularly those in the informal sector.

He spoke during the official flag-off of the scheme for the informal sector on Monday in Akure.

The Governor emphasised the importance of collective efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability, describing health as a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of human development.

He expressed pride in launching the scheme, which he said would cater for artisans, market women, farmers, commercial transport operators, and private sector workers across Ondo State.

“Our painstakingly conceptualised vision as an administration rightly accommodates qualitative and accessible healthcare delivery in order to fulfil Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8, which strives to achieve the global theme of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Our administration has once again demonstrated political will in line with the need to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” he said.

The Governor highlighted that ORANGHIS has been successful among public servants since its inception in 2022, noting that it has provided significant financial relief and improved their health outcomes.

Aiyedatiwa lauded the leadership of organised labour unions for their support in implementing the scheme for public servants, calling it a model of collaboration.

He further noted that the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme, which covers antenatal care, delivery, and other essential services for pregnant women and children under five, has benefited over 46,740 residents.

The Governor also mentioned that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund has provided free medical services to 56,700 vulnerable individuals, including widows, retirees, and persons with disabilities, across the state’s 18 local government areas.

Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the foundational work laid by his predecessor, the late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, in establishing ORANGHIS for public servants, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC-led government for their support in healthcare delivery.

He also commended the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, led by Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, for its role in advancing health insurance in the state.

Speaking directly to the residents of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa encouraged participation in the scheme, stating: “I urge all political leaders, philanthropists, and individuals to enrol themselves and their communities in this life-changing programme. Together, we can improve our health indices and ensure qualitative healthcare delivery across Ondo State.”

He 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 provided great relief to both enrollees and their dependants, noting that it has encouraged a healthier and more productive public service.

He commended the Governor’s efforts in the health sector, including the 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. He also added that the 250-bed hospital buildings in both Ondo and Akure UNIMEDTH complexes would be completed soon to enhance service delivery to residents.

The Director-General of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), Dr Abiodun Oyeneyin, described health insurance as a pragmatic solution to Nigeria’s dwindling health indices. He stated that the state would be among the top five states with the highest health insurance coverage in the country by 2027.

According to him, the Abiyamo scheme has recorded 50,585 babies, including 3,080 twins, 10 triplets, and two quadruplets. He added that over 460 surgeries have been performed in less than two years of ORANGHIS for the formal sector.

He said that the commission is in partnership with the State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency for the supply of quality drugs and medications to all health providers at affordable rates.

The Director-General of the 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 he said is a critical agenda for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

He assured the authority’s commitment to supporting the commission to ensure its success.

The State Coordinator for the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Dele David, commended the Governor, describing the initiative as a commitment by the government to the attainment of universal health coverage. He added that the organisation would continue to support the state to ensure more people access qualitative healthcare delivery.

The Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Dr Seye Oyeleye, praised the expansion of the scheme to the informal sector, describing it as an uncommon gesture, and called on the informal sector to take advantage of it.

The representative of the Country Director of the International Labour Organisation, Emmanuel Danjuma, assured the organisation’s commitment to extending the health insurance scheme through donor funds, with plans to work with beneficiaries for better healthcare delivery.

The event also witnessed the symbolic enrolment of the Iyaloja General, Chief (Mrs) Kemi Aisida; Chairman of RTEAN, Comrade Bolarinwa; Chairman of NURTW, Comrade Adeola; National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association, Comrade Adeola Adedeji; and President of the Ondo State Artisans’ Group, on behalf of the informal sector.