Ogun State Subsidizes Health Insurance for Workers by 50%

The Ogun State Government, demonstrating its commitment to the overall well-being of workers, has subsidized the health insurance scheme for civil and public servants in the state by 50 percent.

This announcement was made by Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday during the launch of the State Formal Sector Health Insurance Scheme. The event was part of the activities for the 2024 Public Service Week, held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, stated that the reduction in healthcare costs for workers would help alleviate their burdens amid the country’s economic challenges. He emphasized that workers are the backbone of any administration and explained that the Health Insurance Scheme was created to promote a healthy workforce.

The governor also highlighted his administration’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible and quality healthcare at all levels. He mentioned that over 100,000 residents of Ogun State have benefited from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, a federal initiative supported by the state through the payment of counterpart funds.

Governor Abiodun also revealed that N324 million has been spent on supporting pregnant women in the state through the Ibidero Scheme since its inception.

He described the launch of the Health Insurance Scheme for the formal sector as a landmark moment in the state’s history, highlighting his administration’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of workers. He emphasized the need for more sociable and responsive public servants and encouraged civil servants to register for the scheme, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, stated that the Health Insurance Scheme was launched to enhance workers’ performance. She clarified that the scheme covers primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services, except for treatments for brain surgery, advanced-stage cancer, liver and renal diseases, and secondary infertility.

Labor leaders in the state expressed their gratitude to the government for prioritizing the well-being of workers. Additionally, the Director General of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, represented by Ogun State Coordinator Adefeso Adegboyega, affirmed the agency’s ongoing collaboration and support for the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme Agency in providing healthcare services to the state’s residents.

The State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, emphasized that poor health can significantly reduce workers’ productivity. He noted that the program is not a coincidence but a deliberate effort to create opportunities for state employees to assess their health, receive appropriate referrals, and obtain necessary medical attention despite their busy schedules.