By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE OGUN State government has introduced a health insurance scheme tailored for workers in the formal sector, including civil servants, public servants, and employees in the organized private sector.
This initiative aligns with the 2024 Public Service Week, emphasizing the state’s commitment to improving healthcare access for its workforce.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, announced the launch at the Obas Complex in Abeokuta.
The government will cover 50% of the insurance premium for each worker enrolled in the scheme.
This gesture underscores the administration’s dedication to the welfare of public servants, considered the engine driving the state’s governance.
Governor Abiodun highlighted the significance of the 2024 Civil Service Week theme, “Building a Socially Responsive Public Service in the 21st Century: A Place of Ethics and Values.”
He stressed that the well-being of public servants remains a priority, reflected in several health initiatives, including the payment of a N100 million counterpart fund to access the Federal Government’s Basic Health Care Provision Fund since February 2020 and the earlier launch of the Informal Sector Health Insurance Scheme.
As part of the state’s health palliative measures, the government allocated N310 million as an equity fund, enabling over a thousand residents to receive free surgeries.
Additionally, N324 million was released to support 3,300 pregnant women under the Ibidero scheme, which covers antenatal and postnatal care, along with a N5,000 token upon delivery.
Governor Abiodun called for collaborative efforts among health officials and stakeholders to ensure the scheme’s successful implementation and continuous improvement.
He emphasized that the scheme’s success relies on effective monitoring and adaptation.
Health Commissioner Dr. Tomi Coker noted that nearly 80% of Nigerians pay for healthcare out-of-pocket, exposing many to the risks of catastrophic health expenditures.
She urged Ogun State residents to take full advantage of the health insurance schemes, which provide financial protection against unforeseen medical expenses that could lead to extreme poverty.
Dr. Coker commended Governor Abiodun for prioritizing healthcare, resulting in significant improvements in the state’s health system.
She assured that the insurance scheme is not just a plan but an active program that will remain in place.
Head of Service Mr. Kehinde Onasanya emphasized the importance of good health for socio-economic success.
He acknowledged that the administration’s focus on healthcare directly impacts workforce productivity, with the health insurance scheme benefiting workers and their families.
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ogun State Chairman, Comrade Ademola Benco, praised Governor Abiodun for his worker-friendly policies, particularly the decision to subsidize 50% of the health insurance premium.
He urged the government to maintain the programme’s consistency and sustainability, pledging the union’s support for the scheme’s success.
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