…announces upgrade for health workers
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has officially flagged off free medical care and surgery to pensioners, as part of collaborative efforts with bodies in the state in a bid to ease off their sufferings through present economic hardship.
The free medical care and surgery is being initiated through the Osun Health Insurance Agency in conjunction with the Rotary International District 9125/5450 & Rotary Foundation in Osun State.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the General Hospital in Osogbo, Governor Ademola Adeleke said such efforts towards pensioners, which had commenced on the 1st February and are part of the fulfilment of campaign promises.
While adding that the strong measures are implemented in order to ease off the burden of pensioners in the state , considering the economic situation of the country.
In his words: “ Recently, we gave the directive to enrol all pensioners in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) free of charge, the first of its kind in this country.
“I am happy to tell you that the 23,000 pensioners in the state have started receiving free healthcare services throughout the state from 1st February this year.
“OHIS has reported to me the smooth take off and positive response of these pensioners”
“ May I also use this opportunity to inform you that the 3rd episode of Imole surgical and medical outreach will kick off very soon. The 1st and 2nd episodes witnessed surgical and medical care for more than 50 thousand inhabitants of Osun.”
On another note, The Governor added that the State Government was not only concerned about the wellbeing of the end users, but equally of the health care providers.
Similarly, he announced that the government has agreed to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of the service providers, by approving several allowances and upgrades including the full hazard allowance for health workers in the state.
He said “we know there are still demands but let me assure you that our government is concerned about your welfare and will do the needful to eliminate “JAPA syndrome” in Osun State.”
Also speaking at the event, the executive Secretary of OHIS, Dr Rasaq Akindele assured that new pensioners were going to be automatically added to the scheme once they retired from active service.
He stated that “so far, 700 pensioners, as above expectations, had been screened to partake in the present free medical and surgery offered in partnership with the Rotary club”.
He reiterated that these actions were far from political gimmicks, but mere actions stemming from a heart of concern, and called for other bodies and individuals to put in the efforts in contributing towards the well being of these senior citizens and others ..
Speaking to newsmen, the Rotarian Representative, Ojo Philip said the screening process for the beneficiaries had been kicked off on the 14th of February, and though they had made provisions for 500 people, provisional space had to be added to accommodate the overall 700 pensioners that had been screened.
According to the President Rotary Club Osogbo Lurotiyi Anne, 70 surgeries have been done so far for cases of hernia, lumps in the breast and other parts of the body, while medical treatment have been issued to a number of pensioners having Sexually Transmitted Diseases, hypertension and other illnesses.
