By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has disclosed that no fewer than 42,000 pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools have received free corrective eyeglasses to support their academic aspirations, which could have been hindered by various eye defects.

Governor Adeleke made this known in Osogbo, the state capital, during the symbolic distribution of corrective glasses, essential medications, and medical equipment to Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS)-accredited government hospitals.

According to the governor, out of the 345,000 pupils and students screened for eye-related issues across the state, over 42,000 were identified with visual impairments and have received necessary interventions, including prescription glasses, essential medications, and surgical procedures where required.

He noted that the intervention programme commenced with public schools as a pilot phase, assuring that private schools would also benefit soon to ensure no child is left behind.

At the event, Governor Adeleke also unveiled multi-million-naira worth of medical equipment acquired through the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) for government health facilities under OHIS.

He emphasised that the initiative was geared towards ensuring that all enrollees receive the highest standard of medical care.

“Our administration remains committed to revitalising the health sector. We have fully approved training allowances for resident doctors and implemented the full COMMESS and CONHESS salary structures for health workers. We have also embarked on massive renovations and upgrades of healthcare facilities across the state,” Adeleke stated.

He disclosed that in two years, 200 out of the 332 focal primary health centres had been modernised, with the remaining set for upgrades soon.

Additionally, over 25,000 pensioners have been enrolled in OHIS free of charge, ensuring that senior citizens receive quality healthcare.

The governor further highlighted the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, revealing that about 10,000 persons living with disabilities (PWDs) had been enrolled in OHIS, with thousands receiving assistive devices, including wheelchairs (some motorised), crutches, walking sticks, hearing aids, talking watches, ultraviolet creams, umbrellas, and eyeglasses.

He commended stakeholders, including the Osun Health Insurance Agency and the Ministry of Education, for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the programme’s success.