Ondo State government has set an ambitious target of increasing the number of residents covered under its health insurance scheme to about 500,000 within the next one year as part of efforts to accelerate the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The director-general of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), Abiodun Oyeneyi, disclosed this yesterday at the maiden National Summit of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) held at the International Culture and Event Centre in Akure, the state capital.
The disclosure came a day after Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa unveiled a N1 billion Hospital Intervention Fund and announced free health insurance coverage for retirees, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare across the state.
Oyeneyi said the healthcare landscape in the state would witness significant transformation following key pronouncements made by the governor at the summit, which attracted policymakers, health insurance managers, development partners and government officials from across the country.
According to him, the governor’s commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare is expected to strengthen the state’s drive towards universal health coverage and improve service delivery for residents
The ODCHC boss revealed that over 300,000 residents are currently enrolled under the Ondo State health insurance programme, known as ORANGHIS, covering public servants, informal sector workers, beneficiaries of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and participants in the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme.
He explained that in addition to the state scheme, more than 60,000 federal civil servants in the state are enrolled under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Oyeneyi said the state government plans to extend health insurance coverage to about 34,000 retirees, a move he noted would significantly increase enrollment figures and ensure that senior citizens continue to enjoy access to quality healthcare after retirement.
He expressed optimism that with the planned expansion, enrollment under the scheme would rise to nearly 500,000 by next year, bringing the state closer to achieving universal health coverage.
Describing health insurance as a critical tool for sustainable healthcare financing, Oyeneyi urged residents to subscribe to the scheme, noting that it provides financial protection against rising healthcare costs while guaranteeing access to quality medical services.
