By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Monday, flagged off the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for the informal sector.

Addressing the gathering at the event held at The Dome, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that scheme for the informal sector will cater for majority of the residents which consist of artisans, market women, farmers, commercial transport operators, organized private sector and a host of others.

He gave his assurance that no one will be left out, adding that the modalities will be worked out to ensure that all public servants continue to enjoy access to qualitative healthcare even after retirement till their good old age.

“Health is a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of human development. Our gathering marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). With the launch of ORANGHIS for the informal sector, our administration has again demonstrated our unwavering commitment to sustainable healthcare financing and to the health and well-being of every resident of Ondo State”.

Aiyedatiwa acknowledged late Governor Akeredolu who flagged off ORANGHIS for all public servants in the state in 2022, adding that the story has been that of significant improvement in the health, well-being and productivity of all public servants and their dependants.

He stated that since its launch in 2022, the formal sector component of ORANGHIS has achieved remarkable successes. It has reduced catastrophic and impoverishing out-of-pocket payment for healthcare services. It has also provided sustainable funding for Ondo state healthcare and has made significant strides towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being.

He commended the dedicated workforce of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission led by the Director-General, Dr Abiodun Oyeneyin and all stakeholders especially in the health sector and also, the leadership of organized labour unions in enthroning ORANGHIS for all public servants.

Governor encouraged everyone to take advantage of the opportunity, either individually, as a family, small scale businesses or as associations, for registration and enrolment into the health insurance scheme. He slsoy urged all political leaders and philanthropists in the state to support the scheme by enrolling people in their domain using the adoption model.

He stressed that his administration will not relent in providing more support in terms of Human Resource for Health and infrastructural upgrade to all the healthcare facilities; primary, secondary and tertiary.

Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commisoner for health, Hon. Banji Ajaka commended the Governor for his vision and support to the health Sector of the State. He also acknowledged the Governor for prioritizing the health of the State of Ondo State.

According to him, the Governor is making giant strides in the health sector, including employment of health workers.

The Director General of ORANGHIS, Dr. Abiodun Oyenehin appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for putting the health of the good people of Ondo State in the front burner.

According to him, the expansion aimed to provide the same level of financial protection and access to quality healthcare to those in the informal sector. A robust benefit package that include medical services, surgical services, optical services, dental services, obstetrics and Gynaecology, physiotherapy, supply of drugs and medications, laboratory and imaging etc has been put together to citer for the needs of our people under the scheme.

He noted that over 15,585 babies among which are 380 twins, 10 triplets and 2 quadruplets have been delivered under the state equity scheme “the Abiyama Scheme” since Inception.

He stressed that Widows, Elderly, People with disabilities, the vulnerable Women of reproductive age group and Children under 5 years as well as sickle cell wamors are all beneficiaries of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund Programme continue to have access to qualitative healthcare services across the 203 wards in the State.

He added that it’s now the turm of the residents in the informal sector comprising of market women, artisans, farmers, transport workers, organized groups, Okada riders, students etc to get into the health insurance pool.

He said “We have in place the ORANGHIS Monitoring Committee that comprises of al major stakeholders to ensure adherence to standards and quality across our provider network.

“The success of our previous schemes (with over 216,000 enrollee base) has set a high standard and provided us with critical insights and learnings. This foundation has shown us that comprehensive, affordable, and accessible healthcare is not just a goal but an achievable reality.

“The ORANGHIS for the formal sector has been a beacon of hope and a model of excellence, providing essential health coverage to public servants and meir dependents. The scheme has demonstrated that pooling resources through a contributory system can effectively complement funding in healthcare, enhancing the capacity and quality of both public and private health facilities.

“By leveraging the strengths and successes of the formal sector scheme, we are confident that ORANGHIS fur the informal sector will equally thrive and make a profound impact. This scheme will bring immense relief to countless families, reducing their financial burdert and improving their overall health and well-being”.

He stressed that the premium shall be affordable (frum #18,000 per annum) and the mode of payment shall be flexible as most of those in the informal sector eam their wages on a daily basis.

He added that the economy of the state will be revamped through the instrumentality of health Insurance and massive jobs will be created.

He appreciated the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, the Commisoner for health, Dr Banji Ajaka and other stakeholders within and outside the health sector for their immense support.

In his address, the Director, National Health Insurance Authority, Dr Kelechi Ohiri noted that ORANGHIS reflects Ondo State’s proactive approach in achieving universal health coverage, by extending coverage to informal sector, describing it as the back bone of the local economy.

While congratulating the Governor on the remarkable achievement, Ohiri acknowledged the Governor for his commitment and dedication to the health sector, stated that the ORANGHIS.

He opined that the NHIA remians commited to the journey of universal health coverage.

The State Coordinator of the World Health Organization, Dr Dele Davies congratulated the people of the informal sector. He noted the World Health Organization office in Ondo State will support the government of Governor Aiyedatiwa through advocacy.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, the State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, labour leaders, members of Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, members of the the State Executive Council, among other top government officials.