Era Of Wastage In Osun Over, Says Adeleke

-As He inaugurates OHIS Office Complex

-Free Medical and Surgical Outreach for Pensioners will Soon Start- OHIS Executive Secretary

Governor Ademola Adeleke has inaugurated a multimillion naira Osun State Health Insurance Scheme office complex, Abere.

At the well attended event, beneficiaries of Governor Adeleke free health insurance scheme among which are the thousands of retirees chatted encomiums on the governor for prioritizing the wellbeing of every citizens in the state.

Speaking, the Governor who was in joyous mood reiterated the commitment of his administration in moving the state forward, saying he would continue to give priority to the welfare of the people of the state.

Noting that era of wastage is gone in Osun, Adeleke said though the project was an inherited one but what matters to him is the progress of the State, not minding who started the project.

According to the governor, it’s very rare to see a new government like his to continue abandoned projects, but as for him, what is important is to see Osun people enjoying dividends of democracy, as he promised to make life more bearable for the people.

His words, “We are gathered for another significant event- the commissioning of the multi-million naira office complex of the Osun State Health Insurance Agency constructed by the government of Osun State.

“I invite our people to remember that I pledged to complete all abandoned and uncompleted projects inherited from the previous administrations. I remain committed to that obligation. Public fund must never be wasted due to political differences. I have completed several of such uncompleted projects.

“Today, we are commissioning another inherited project to house a very successful state agency, the OHIS. From this new edifice, our administration will continue its drive towards expanded health coverage and access. The Health Insurance office complex is to create a conducive environment for the administration of health insurance policies for a better health for Osun citizens.

“You will recall that recently our government ordered the unprecedented enrollment of ALL pensioners in Osun State into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme, OHIS,free of charge. I am glad to inform you that this exercise is almost completed. To show our commitment to this exercise, our government has collaborated and is still collaborating with international organizations to bring succor to the people of Osun in terms of qualitative healthcare.

“Our government also plans to renovate all the 332 focal Primary Health Centers and some comprehensive health centers in the state. We will ensure genuine, detailed upgrades unlike the questionable handling of health projects under the last administration. We will install water systems (boreholes) with proper reticulation and ensure 24 hours electricity supply through the installations of solar electricity systems in all these focal PHCs.

“You will also recall the Imole Medical and Surgical Outreach we did and will still do. We are sincere about this and thousands of my good people of Osun who benefitted are living witnesses. To the glory of God we did not record any casualty during these outreaches

“We are creating an enabling environment to retain our health professionals. We target action against japa syndrome. Our government has approved the full payment of Hazard allowances to all our health staff as approved by the Federal Government. We also intend to replace all healthcare workers that have left with new ones with improved packages.This has been adequately appropriated for in the 2024 budget.

Governor Adeleke said his government recognizes the importance of health insurance and intends to reduce or even eliminate out of pocket payment for treatment in the hospitals. He said he is making it compulsory for all political office holders to enroll in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme in addition to civil servants that are also compulsorily enrolled.

“I want to use this opportunity to encourage the informal sector; traders, artisans, businessmen, unions etc to key into the programme. The premium is so small and the benefit so large. Government will continue to support the Osun citizens through OHIS until we are able to achieve the Universal Health Coverage. We have started and there is no going back!” The Governor declared.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of Osun Health Insurance Agency, Dr Rasaq Akindele, said the organisation has been delivering on its core mandate of quality healthcare for all, adding that enrolment of all pensioners in the state as directed by the governor has reached an advanced stage.

Dr. Akindele added that free medical and surgical outreach for residents, especially the senior citizens will start at no distance time.

He said: “Free Medical and Surgical Outreach for the Pensioners will commence in January. This is OHIS in collaboration with Rotary International.

He further said: “After completing the enrollment of Pensioners, the Governor, Dr Demola Adeleke has given the directive that free registration of the Vulnerables should begin.

“The Agency in 2024 is taking the sensitization to the informal sector and the informal stands at 4 thousand.

“The total enrollees currently on the Scheme as of today stands at 250 thousand. But of those enrollees are from the formal sector

“80% of the 23,000 pensioners enrolled by the State Government free of charge has been successfully cleared for proper treatment.