By Kemi Olatunde

The Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC) has emphasised the need for pensioners in the state to embrace health insurance as a means of securing affordable and quality healthcare.

Director-General of the commission, Dr Abiodun Oyeneyin, gave the charge during a sensitisation exercise held on Thursday in Idanre, during the verification and production of digital identification cards for Local Government and Primary School pensioners, organised by the Local Government Pension Transition Department.

Represented by the Director of Business Development and Client Relations, Mrs Aderonke Ibitoye, Oyeneyin commended the state governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for launching the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for the informal sector in 2024, noting that the initiative is aimed at achieving the global goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He noted that ORANGHIS, which commenced among public servants in 2022, has recorded remarkable success by providing financial relief and improving health outcomes for enrollees.

Highlighting the Aiyedatiwa-led administration’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery, the ODCHC boss pointed to the ongoing construction of two 250-bed hospitals in Akure and Ondo, recent recruitment of health workers, and improved remuneration for doctors as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s health insurance scheme.

Describing health insurance as a pragmatic response to Nigeria’s declining health indices, Oyeneyin stated that the scheme covers an array of services including treatment of malaria, hypertension care, antenatal services, laboratory and radiological investigations, provision of drugs for covered ailments, as well as optical and dental care, among others.

He disclosed that the commission is working in collaboration with the State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency to ensure the supply of quality medications to health providers at affordable prices.

He urged pensioners to enrol in the scheme, assuring them of the commission’s support in ensuring that service providers offer them the best possible care.

Speaking with Weekend Hope, the Chairman of Idanre Pensioners, Mr Olofinwaka Ebenezer, commended the government for the initiative, noting that it would enable members to access prompt healthcare services without financial burden.

“Instead of running helter-skelter around hospitals, there will now be a designated hospital for treatment, which will be quick and accessible. It will also reduce out-of-pocket spending to the barest minimum,” he said.

The sensitisation event also featured a question-and-answer session, during which the commission addressed grey areas concerning the pensioners.