Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has stated that his administration is creating an enabling environment to ensure health professionals are retained in the State and make the popular “japa” unattractive.
Adeleke made this disclosure on Friday in Osogbo during the commissioning of the state headquarters of the Osun Health Insurance Agency.
The governor said, “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.
“To also cushion the unpleasant economic situation, we kept to our
Our government recognizes the importance of health insurance and intends to reduce or even eliminate out of pocket payment for treatment in the hospitals. That is the reason for 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.”
Adeleke also said the commissioning was part of his avowed commitment to complete the inherited projects from the past administrations.
“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 better health for Osun citizens.”
He charged the informal sector participants and actors to key into the health insurance scheme. “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.”
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the OSHIA Board, Dr Muyiwa Oladimeji commended the Governor for his commitment to the healthy living of Osun residents.
Speaking with journalists, the Executive Secretary of OSHIA, Dr Rasaq Akindele said the project will enhance the service delivery of the agency.
Akindele corroborated the stand of the governor on the registration of the 23,000 pensioners into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme.
Akindele said, “the enrollment of Pensioners as directed by the governor is 80% done. Very soon they will be getting their card. We would also be commencing the enrollment of vulnerable people immediately we are done with pensioners.”
