By Kemi Olatunde

Beneficiaries of the second phase of health insurance for the vulnerable, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund Programme (BHCPFP) will start accessing health care by January 2024, at their chosen healthcare facilities.

The programme which is also known as the Ilera Loro scheme is a programme of the Federal Government in collaboration with the Ondo State Government.

Director-General of Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin disclosed this while speaking with The Hope during the enrollment in the Central Senatorial District of the state in Akure.

According to him, the beneficiaries’ names will be on the capitation list to enable them access care at no cost starting from January 1, 2024.

He explained that “it will be of great benefit to them due to the high cost of drugs and services as a result of inflation and high exchange rate.

“With this, the poor and vulnerable are protected from financial catastrophe.”

He expressed appreciation to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for his support in achieving the dream in the state, adding that the commission aims to capture 25,000 beneficiaries in addition to the already captured 20,000 beneficiaries in 2021 to access qualitative health care services across the state.

He revealed that the target has been exceeded in the state, noting that adequate measures are in place to accommodate the excess.

According to him, the scheme covers services including pharmaceutical services, family planning, antenatal care, postnatal care, minor surgery, laboratory services, delivery services, and immunization among others, adding that services that can’t be provided by the PHC are referred to as secondary health facilities.

He informed that eligible beneficiaries include; the elderly, widows, pregnant women, under five children, persons with disabilities, and women of reproductive age adding that the exercise takes place in all 203 wards in the state.

PHC Coordinator, Ondo West Local Government, Dr. Ebitimi Fiyebobra Destiny lauded both Federal and State Governments for the programme, stating that it will be a tremendous help to the indigents in the state. He added that it provides the same quality of care to both the rich and the poor.

Beneficiaries including an 84-year-old man and a pregnant woman who spoke with The Hope stressed the need for residents to key into the programme, stating it helps in alleviating people’s suffering.