By Kemi Olatunde

The second phase of the enrollment of vulnerables into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund Programme (Ilera Loro Scheme) has commenced in Ondo State.

The exercise which is carried out by the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), began on Monday.

Speaking with The Hope while monitoring the exercise on Tuesday at the Ile-oluji Primary Health Centre, Director-General, ODCHC, Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin stated that the exercise targets 25000 beneficiaries in addition to the 20000 beneficiaries who have been enjoying the programme since year 2021.

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.

He said that both Federal and State Government collaborate to pay the premium for covered health care on yearly basis.

He commended the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for giving priority to the health of residents through the provision of qualitative health care delivery.

He called on residents to avail themselves the opportunity of accessing health care at no cost through the programme adding that they should also sensitise others.

PHC Coordinator of Oleoluji/Okeigbo, Dr. Olanrewaju Gbadamosi expressed appreciation to government for the laudable initiative noting that it is one of the cardinal programme of government to improve residents’ health.

He added that residents have been turning up for the exercise in the community due to the success of government in the health sector.

Officer in Charge and Chief Nursing Officer, Primary Health Centre, Oleoluji, Mrs Olufunke Oluwatuyi who commended the large turnout of residents stressed the need for the extension of the exercise to some wards ( ward three and ward four) in order to have more people captured.

Officer in Charge, Primary Health Centre, Oloruntele, Okeigbo, Mrs Taiwo Adeyemi who lauded residents for turning up saying “we have registered over 120 beneficiaries within the short period.”

Speaking with The Hope at Comprehensive Health Centre, Okeigbo, two female beneficiaries; Akinwumi Kehinde Adesola and Akinrodoye Motunrayo lauded government for the programme stating that it will go a long way in alleviating poverty in the state.

They however, called for more publicity in order to attract the attention of other vulnerables to it.