By Our Correspondent
The Ogun State Government has called on traders, artisans, and owners of small-scale businesses to support its Health Insurance Scheme for the Informal Sector to fast-track the State's progression towards achieving universal health coverage.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, gave this call at a Stakeholders' Meeting with trade and artisan unions and
associations in Abeokuta, said it was important to intimate the Associations about the benefit packages of the scheme and its significance for their members.
Coker disclosed that the health insurance scheme would be formally launched for the informal sector before the end of the year, adding after its official launch, traders and artisans who sign on for the scheme would begin to enjoy the packages after 60 days in about 146 primary and secondary health facilities across the State.
"His Excellency has promised the people of Ogun State qualitative and affordable healthcare. That is why we have rehabilitated, equipped, and provided adequate staff for many of our Primary health Centers as well as secondary hospitals. With this scheme, ordinary residents of the state will be able to access quality care for about 250 diseases without having to pay out of pocket.
The Commissioner added that through the scheme, those insured would be able to access care for common diseases such as malaria, diabetes, antenatal and postnatal care, and common childhood diseases, saying the insurance would also cover screening for cancers that are peculiar to Nigerians.
She maintained that the government has introduced the scheme with the informal sector because of the huge population of potential beneficiaries, adding that workers outside the formal sector are more at risk of occupational hazards.
"I want to call on Stakeholders present at this meeting to provide adequate sensitization to the members of their various associations. This administration's commitment to the health sector and healthcare of the people is unprecedented in Ogun State. With their support, we are confident of making our state a healthier one," She said.
On his part, the Executive Secretary, Ogun State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Afolabi Dosumu said the scheme would not be successful without the buy-in of traders and artisans, expressing his appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun's commitment to the health care of all residents of the State irrespective of their background.
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