By Kemi Olatunde

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

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

Director-General, 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 on Monday on Akure.

According to him, the beneficiaries’ name will be listed 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 high cost of drugs and services which is attributed to inflation and high exchange rate.

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

He expressed appreciation to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the state for his support in achieving the dream in the state adding that the commission aims to capture 25000 beneficiaries in addition to the already captured 20000 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 immunisation among others adding that services which can’t be provided by the PHC are referred to secondary health facilities.

He informed that eligible beneficiaries include; 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 Government for the programme stating that it will be a tremendous help to the indigents in the state and adding that it provides the same quality of care to both rich and poor.

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

Officer in Charge, Primary Health Care (PHC) Better Life, Ondo, Mrs Regina Akinmurele hinted that it has recorded large turnout of residents in the health facility adding that it will help boost the facility’s coverage.

It would be recalled that the second phase of enrollment of vulnerables into the scheme commenced a few weeks ago in the Southern senatorial district of the state by the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC).

Other health facilities visited by The Hope include; PHC, Akinjagunla, PHC, Surulere, PHC, Maroko, PHC, Moferere, Ondo West Local Government.