…as Trade Union Congress urges recruitment of more health workers

Kemi Olatunde

In order to strengthen the health sector of Ondo State, ₦1,777,687,650 has been paid as capitation to accredited providers on ORANGHIS only,for primary services.

According to him, the fund is not meant for clients’ treatment alone, as it is also used for infrastructural development in health facilities.

He described the state as the highest-paying agency in Nigeria, stressing that ₦750 is paid per enrollee on a monthly basis.

He explained that health insurance buildings have been established in certain health facilities, including Akure and Ondo UNIMED Teaching Hospital, Mother and Child Hospital in Akure, among others, assuring that the gesture will be extended to other local government areas of the state.

He commended the State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for providing the enabling environment for the commission to operate, emphasising that health financing helps in attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the state and the country at large.

He hinted that 17 providers—government health facilities—offer care in the Northern Senatorial District of the state, adding that there is no accredited private hospital offering such services in that part of the state.

Lauding the providers for their service delivery, he called on them to embrace qualitative service delivery that meets the expectations of clients.

He called on the government to address the challenge of human resources and emphasised the importance of drug availability in providers’ hospitals.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, in his special remarks, lauded the efforts of the commission in keeping health insurance running in the state, stating that the governor is committed to ensuring the functionality of the health sector through his various investments.

Odimayo stated that efforts are ongoing to bring more people into the state health insurance programme and revealed that the commission was awarded the best health insurance system in Nigeria due to stakeholders’ commitment.

He assured the availability of drugs in the state through the establishment of the State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency (ODHCMA), saying, “The drugs in the agency are of the best standard. There is no reason for drug shortages in health facilities across the state.”

He called for stakeholders’ collaboration to move the system forward, saying, “The insurance is about responsible partnership to make our health system work. Our commitment to responsibility in this health insurance scheme will ensure its sustainability.”

In his goodwill message, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Richard Adesoji, pledged the ministry’s support in ensuring the commission achieves its target goals.

The Executive Secretary of ODHCMA, Pharm. Amos Ayegbusi, noted that the agency is committed to ensuring drug availability for providers in the state. He said the state has one of the best pharma-grade systems in the country, adding, “We will supply 100 percent of drugs and health commodities in the state.”

The representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), Dr. (Mrs.) Yetunde Olagbuji, noted that 70 percent of residents live in grassroots areas and stressed that primary health care (PHC) must be developed to improve the health sector.

Olagbuji commended the commission for enabling more people to access health care through its programmes and described health financing as one of the four pillars of health system strengthening. She assured the agency’s continued support for the commission.

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olapade Ademola Adenike, stated that the majority of workers have benefitted from the commission’s programme and called on the commission to embrace sincerity in order to gain the trust of the people.

Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Clement Fatuase, noted that the commission’s efforts speak volumes and called on providers to offer the best services to their clients.

Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Ajiboye Oluwaseun Adesuyi, called for the recruitment of more health workers in the state and appealed to the government to pay health workers’ hazard allowances.

The representative of the NULGE President, Mrs. Antonia Aladegbonmire, stressed the need to enlighten residents on the services rendered by the commission, adding that desk officers must be stationed in all local government areas.

Speaking on behalf of providers, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the State Specialist Hospital, Ikare Akoko, Dr. Idowu Ayodeji, assured of providers’ resolve to deliver qualitative services to clients. He called on the government to address the manpower shortage in health facilities across the state.