As part of measures to broaden access to qualitative healthcare services for children especially, the less privileged, the Oyo State Government has officially launched a health insurance scheme for public primary school pupils.
At the official take-off of the scheme at the flag off ceremony held on Thursday, February 27, 11 local government areas (LGAs) across Ibadan geopolitical zone have been captured for the pilot scheme.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the initiative, flagged off by Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, is part of the state’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and support universal health coverage.
The scheme, which falls under the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) is designed to provide free medical care to primary school pupils across the 33 local government areas of the state.
The Governor commended the support and collaboration from the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners, and urged all stakeholders to key into the initiative as the scheme would be a “win-win” for all.
Governor Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding the scheme to all LGAs in the state, while assuring parents and guardians that the initiative would be sustained.
“Health and education are top priorities for this government. By ensuring our children receive quality medical care, we are investing in the future of Oyo State,” the governor affirmed.
Earlier in his address, the Executive Secretary of OYSHIA, Dr. Sola Akande, highlighted the importance of the initiative in reducing child morbidity and mortality rates.
He acknowledged that the agency has an initial target of 10,000 pupils to be enrolled for the scheme. He reaffirmed the commitment of the agency in making health care delivery reach a large number of residents in the state.
“This program ensures that no child in public primary schools is denied access healthcare due to financial constraints. It is a proactive approach to safeguarding the future of our children,” he stated.
In their separate remarks, the commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi, the chief UNICEF Lagos field office, Ms Celine Lafoucriere and the Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran, agreed that universal health coverage is not only a health goal but social and economic necessity, confirming that the scheme for pupils of public schools is first of its kind in Nigeria.
Parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals, who spoke to newsmen also lauded the initiative, describing it as a game-changer in the state’s healthcare sector.
Beneficiaries also expressed gratitude, with many stating that the scheme would relieve them of the financial burden of medical expenses.
Some of the pupils; Moradeyo Taiwo from Community Primary School, Akindele Daniel and Ademola Rachael both of IDC Basic School, Bodunde Egbeda expressed their joy and thanked Governor Makinde for creating such access to quality healthcare services which they said would reduce the financial burden on their parents.