By Kemi Olatunde

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Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC) has begun sensitisation exercise for local government workers for the successful implementation of the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) in the state.

Speaking at the event which targeted those in the Central senatorial district including Akure South, Akure North, Ifedore and Idanre Local Government Areas, in Akure, Director-General of the commission, Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin while commending State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for initiating the scheme, noted that the number one citizen is committed to the welfare of workers in the state.

According to him, he was bent on ensuring that Local Government workers participate in the enrollment for ORANGHIS, stating that he was determined to ensure that residents live in good health.

While noting the importance of insurance for health, he revealed that about 19,000 residents have been enrolled for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund Programme (BHCPFP), one of the products of the commission with Akure South Local Government taking the lead.

He expressed appreciation to the Chairman, Akure South Local Government, Gbenga Olaniyi for his support for the commission and assured that it will continue to do the needful to record success in its activities especially the sensitisation exercise in the 18 LGAs in the state.

He also assured of qualitative health care delivery through the health insurance scheme.

In a chat with The Hope, Oyeneyin explained that the exercise aimed at bringing stakeholders on board for the successful implementation of ORANGHIS.

Chairman, Akure South Local Government, Gbenga Olaniyi thanked Governor Akeredolu for involving LGAs in the scheme.

Stressing the importance of health insurance, he described planning as crucial in pooling fund together for the assessment of qualitative health care by residents at all times.

In a brief interview with The Hope, Olaniyi assured of local government workers’ commitment to the scheme which he described as a laudable project, stating that it will enable them access health at a subsidized rate.

Speaking extensively on ORANGHIS, Director, Business Development and Marketing, ODCHC, Dr. Adetolu Ademujimi described it as a mandatory health insurance for LGAs, state civil servants and political office holders, adding that it is a family plan which covers the principal, spouse and four children who are below the age of 18 years.

However, he said the commission has designed four products; Sunshine Health Insurance Scheme (SUNSHIS) which according to him is for 95 percent of the about 5.3 million of the state population who are not government workers, ORANGHIS, Student Health Insurance Scheme (STUDHIS) and the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme (Abiyamo) which according to him has recorded over 19,000 beneficiaries with over 5000 deliveries including over 2000 Caesarean Section.

Cross section of those who spoke with The Hope lauded the scheme and called on all to embrace it.