By our Reporter
Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Governor of Ondo State, on Monday unveiled a N1 billion Hospital Intervention Fund and announced free health insurance coverage for retirees as part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and achieving universal health coverage in the state.
Aiyedatiwa made the announcement at the maiden National Summit of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure, where stakeholders from across the country gathered to discuss strategies for expanding health insurance coverage amid prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking on the theme, “Economic Realities and the Universal Health Coverage Dream: Mobilising States for Scalable Health Insurance,” the governor reiterated that access to quality healthcare should not be determined by the economic status of citizens.
He noted that inflationary pressures and worsening economic conditions have increased the urgency of healthcare financing reforms, stressing that many households delay seeking medical attention due to financial constraints, often resulting in more severe illnesses and higher treatment costs.
Aiyedatiwa described social health insurance as a critical tool for protecting citizens from catastrophic health expenditure and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services irrespective of income levels.
He highlighted the achievements of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), noting that the Orange Health Insurance Scheme currently covers public servants and their dependants, while enrolment has also commenced for informal sector workers and members of local security outfits.
The governor also cited the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Programme, which provides free antenatal care, safe delivery services and health coverage for children under five years of age.
According to him, vulnerable residents across all 203 political wards in the state’s 18 local government areas have equally been enrolled in health insurance schemes through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund programme.
In a major policy announcement, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that retirees have now been formally included in the Orange Health Insurance Scheme, with the Ondo State Government assuming full responsibility for the cost of their enrolment.
He said the initiative was informed by the growing healthcare needs of pensioners and would guarantee access to consultations, treatment, medications and specialised medical services without financial burden.
The governor further announced that Ondo State had become the first state in Nigeria to implement the newly approved salary structure for health workers, a move he said would improve welfare, reduce brain drain and enhance retention of skilled professionals within the health sector.
He also revealed that the State Executive Council had approved the procurement of modern medical equipment for secondary healthcare facilities and the recruitment of additional health personnel to strengthen healthcare service delivery.
As part of efforts to modernise healthcare infrastructure, Aiyedatiwa announced the approval of a N1 billion Hospital Intervention Fund dedicated to expanding and upgrading healthcare facilities across the state.
He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to achieve universal health coverage through expanded enrolment, improved monitoring systems, quality assurance mechanisms and regular facility audits.
The governor urged State Social Health Insurance Agencies nationwide to sustain reforms that will improve access to affordable healthcare and encouraged participants at the summit to strengthen collaboration and develop practical solutions to healthcare delivery challenges.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, described the summit as a timely platform for addressing critical challenges in Nigeria’s health sector, stressing the need for innovative financing models and efficient resource mobilisation.
Also speaking, Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Chairman of the Forum of Health Commissioners, Dr Oyebanji Filani, commended Ondo State for recording the lowest neonatal and infant mortality rates in Nigeria, citing data from the National Demographic and Health Survey.
The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, emphasised the need to expand health insurance coverage, noting that more than 90 per cent of Nigerians remain outside the formal insurance system.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya; members of the State Executive Council; representatives of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory; and the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba (Dr) Victor Kiladejo.
