By Kemi Olatunde

The Director-General of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, has emphasised the importance of health insurance among residents of the state.

He made this statement while speaking on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day in Akure on Thursday.

According to him, the government has put measures in place to achieve UHC for all residents of the state, ensuring optimal performance and maximum productivity at all times. He noted that the recent launch of the informal sector scheme is a testament to these efforts.

Dr. Oyeneyin stated that UHC Day is observed annually on 12th December, highlighting the importance of ensuring that everyone, everywhere, has access to quality health services without facing financial hardship. He added that such efforts help to reduce inequality, especially for vulnerable groups.

He said: “The day is meant to raise awareness about the need for strong health systems and to advocate for greater investment in health, ensuring that people have access to essential health services. It also aims to mobilise action for global health and policy improvements to achieve UHC, a key component of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.”

He explained that the commission is mandated to provide health insurance coverage to all residents of the state across various sectors, including the formal and informal sectors, vulnerable groups, students in tertiary institutions, and retirees.

Describing the theme, ‘Health: It’s on the Government,’ Dr. Oyeneyin stated that the commission has registered over 200,000 beneficiaries across the equity and formal sector schemes. He added that several advocacy and sensitisation campaigns have been carried out across the three senatorial districts of the state to achieve UHC.

He noted that UHC Day serves as an opportunity to continually educate people on the need to prioritise their health and ensure lives are saved.

Dr. Oyeneyin also commended the staff of the commission for their dedication to providing preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative health services, as outlined in the benefit packages of its schemes, contributing to the improvement of the state’s health indices.