The Osun Health Insurance Agency, in collaboration with the World Bank, has commenced the important task of sensitizing and massively enrolling 1,500 women into the Osun Health Insurance scheme.
This initiative is aimed at enhancing the health status women, most especially, vulnerable ones.
The enrollment process kicked off on Monday in Iperindo, Atakunmosa East local government area, while the team extended its efforts to Oke-Ila and Ora Igbomina, both in Ifedayo on Tuesday.
Dr. Adeniyi Ogini, the Executive Secretary of OSHIA, took the lead in these efforts on both days. He shared that the selection of women was based on their vulnerability, identified by their respective women affinity groups.
The Executive Secretary said, “In this gathering today, we have 15 affinity women groups, which have identified women they believe are vulnerable due to their limited access to quality healthcare services. We have chosen 500 women from this local government (Atakunmosa East), who are currently undergoing registration. At the end of the process, they will receive a card that grants them access to free healthcare services for an entire year. All health-related expenses will be covered during this period, thanks to the Nigeria For Women Project, a joint initiative of the World Bank and the Osun Health Insurance scheme.”
Dr. Ogini also outlined the sustainability plan after the one-year period, stating that the programme allows participants to transit fully into the scheme.
He also emphasized that Persons Living with Disabilities are exclusively considered as a vulnerable group and they are also benefitting from the Scheme.
Folorunsho Tomori, Focal Person for the Nigeria for Women Project in Osun State, emphasized the project’s mission to alleviate poverty among women.
He said, “This commendable project focuses on women, aiming to alleviate poverty among those who cannot afford basic healthcare services. For a year, they will enjoy free healthcare, greatly enhancing the health status of women within the community and the entire state.”
Local government representatives praised the state government for this initiative and urged the government to bolster staff strength in community maternity centers.
Hon. Siji Samson Ayeni, Secretary of Atakumosa East Local Government Area, commended the initiative and called for increased staffing and supplies at the maternity centers.
Beneficiaries of the Nigeria For Women project expressed gratitude to the state government and the agency for enlightening them about the importance of enrolling in the health insurance scheme.
The Nigeria for Women project will be conducted in three pilot local government areas: Atakumosa East, Ifedayo, and Olaoluwa. The Olaoluwa local government event is scheduled for Thursday, and it is anticipated that no fewer than 500 women will benefit from it.
The Osun Health Insurance Scheme has previously reached out to rural communities to provide valuable healthcare services and save lives.
The drive according to Dr Oginni is part of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s plans towards enhancing standard of lives of Osun residents.
