Ondo State government has donated health kits and other consumables to the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The gesture is aimed to boost the clinic at the NUJ centre for quality healthcare delivering to members.
The healthcare materials and other consumables were presented through the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) at the NUJ Press Centere, Akure, on Friday.
Presenting the items, Special Adviser to the governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, described NUJ as critical partner, assuring that the State government would give positive consideration to the union’s request for the enrollment of journalists in the state who are not working with the federal or Ondo state governments.
Prof Odimayo said the donations would go a long way to assist the union to provide necessary health kits for media professionals in the state.
His words: “With these tools, healthcare workers in NUJ can respond more effectively to medical emergencies and routine care, ensuring better outcomes for Journalists in Ondo State.
“These programmes represent a strategic approach to bridging healthcare gaps in the state. By focusing on vulnerable groups and equipping healthcare facilities, we are building a sustainable healthcare system accessible to all.”
He also praised the state’s efforts in combating hepatitis, noting that treatments for identified cases have commenced, with plans for expanded outreach in the coming year.
Besides, he reaffirmed the state’s commitment to universal health coverage through the launch of transformative programmes aimed at enhancing primary healthcare services and ensuring affordable medical care for all residents.
“ORANGHIS aims to provide affordable healthcare to residents through a network of accredited public and private hospitals. The scheme covers services such as maternal care, treatments for hypertension and diabetes, and surgeries for critical illnesses.
On Basic Health Care Provision Fund Programme (BHCPFP), he said, “targeting vulnerable groups, BHCPFP utilizes 203 primary healthcare facilities across the state, with one facility allocated per ward. It offers essential services including antenatal care, immunization, treatment of childhood illnesses, and management of non-communicable diseases.
“To enhance these services, the government distributed equipment such as health kits, cleaning tools, and a 32-inch LG UHD television to selected healthcare centers, underscoring its commitment to better working environments and improved healthcare outcomes.
Also, the Director-General of the Ondo State Health Contributory Commission, Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin emphasised the importance of collaboration and confirmed plans to include private-sector journalists in the state’s health insurance scheme:
“We aim to make Ondo State a leader in health insurance coverage in Nigeria. Our programmes are designed to ensure that no resident is left behind, particularly those in rural and informal sectors. The equipment distributed today will enhance healthcare delivery at all levels.
“We are preparing the necessary documentation to ensure prompt approval for journalists not yet covered, further demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity.”
Responding, State chairman of NUJ, Prince Leke Adegbite, pleaded with the state government to enroll journalists for its health insurance scheme.
The NUJ chairman commended the state government through the state Health Contributory Commission, for supporting quality health care for journalists in the state, emphasising the media role in promoting health awareness.
“We remain committed to supporting the government’s health initiatives by ensuring accurate and timely dissemination of information to the public,” Adegbite said.