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Tag: Health Insurance

  • FCT overshoots health insurance 2024 enrollment target 

    FCT overshoots health insurance 2024 enrollment target 

    The Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Adedolapo Fasawe, has emphasized the critical strides and ongoing challenges in strengthening the healthcare system within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). 

    This is as the FCT beat 35 States to emerge as runner-up for “Best Performing and Most Improved State” at the 2nd Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge.

    Fasawe, while attributing the success to the strategic leadership of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the daily dedication of healthcare providers in Primary Health Care (PHC) centers across the territory, revealed that the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) has exceeded its enrollment targets for 2024, set by the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES).

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary of HSES, Baba-Gana Adam, the Mandate Secretary revealed that FHIS was tasked with enrolling 100,000 participants over four years, with an annual target of 25,000 enrollees but between January and November 2024, it surpassed the goal, enrolling 36,000 individuals, 11,000 above the annual target, with numbers still rising.

    She underscored the importance of UHC, stating, “The goal of UHC is to ensure no one is left behind, particularly the poor and vulnerable.”  

    Fasawe attributed the achievement to the legal framework and proactive measures introduced by the current administration. 

    She commended the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, noting his intervention in settling outstanding payments owed to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and healthcare facilities. 

    “This administration has cleared all backlogs. Meetings have been held with HMOs and facilities, and as of December 2024, we have approved payments for the first quarter of 2025. We are now moving forward to deliver the Minister’s promises,” she said.

    The Acting Director of FHIS, Salamatu Belgore, presented a UHC Day Call to Action letter to Dr. Fasawe for delivery to the FCT Minister, stressing that healthcare is a fundamental right. 

    She highlighted worsening global financial protection, with 2 billion people facing financial hardship and 1.3 billion pushed into poverty by health expenses.  

    Belgore called for a legal framework for the FCT Health Insurance Agency, investments in digital innovations, improved public health infrastructure, and solutions to human resource gaps to enhance healthcare delivery.

    She also called for equity funding from the FCT Consolidated Revenue Fund to support the enrollment of poor and vulnerable populations.

    The awareness road walk, which began at the Federal Secretariat and concluded at the FCT Administration Secretariat, included the distribution of UHC flyers and sensitization materials to the public.

    In a similar development, the FCT Primary Health Care (PHC) system emerged as runner-up for “Best Performing and Most Improved State” at the 2nd Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Gala held in Abuja. 

    Read Also: Barau to Wike at 57: your commitment to FCT development remarkable

    The FCT received a $400,000 cash incentive for its achievements in advancing UHC, marking significant progress since the challenge’s launch by the Nigeria Governors Forum in 2022.

    Chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by a former Minister of FCT Alh. Aliyu Madibbo, the event recognized FCT’s innovative strides in strengthening PHC. 

    The Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara state Alh. AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Governor of Anambra state Prof. Charles Soludo as well as the representative of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Ali Pate, among others were present at the ceremony.

    “This award underscores the strategic leadership of the FCT Minister in investing in healthcare and the credible services carried out daily in Primary Health Care centers across the territory,” Fasawe noted, adding that more improvements are on the way.  

    Represented by the acting Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Health Care Board, Ruqqaya Wamako, the Mandate Secretary highlighted the effective utilization of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which has led to significant improvements in key health indicators that include increased antenatal coverage, a rise in the proportion of women using modern contraceptive methods, and higher rates of women delivering with skilled birth attendants. 

    She credited the successes to targeted approaches aimed at creating awareness and educating vulnerable women about the importance of accessing quality healthcare services within their communities.  

    While celebrating the progress, Fasawe expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the Secretariat, as well as partners like the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

    However, she stressed the need for intensified efforts to fulfill the commitment to strengthening and improving PHC systems across Nigeria.  

    “Our collective goal is to ensure that every resident, especially women and vulnerable populations, has access to quality healthcare within their proximity,” she said, urging all stakeholders to maintain the momentum in addressing the challenges within the healthcare sector.

  • 19.2m Nigerians embrace health insurance scheme

    19.2m Nigerians embrace health insurance scheme

    A total of 19.2 million Nigerians have enrolled in health insurance at the national and state levels.

    This shows a 14 per cent increase from the previous figure of 16.7 million.

    The Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Kelechi Ohiri, announced this at the agency’s end-of-the-year briefing yesterday in Abuja.

    The increased enrolment is said to be a significant step towards expanding healthcare access across the country.

    The NHIA said it planned target to achieve a further 20 per cent increase in enrollment by next year. 

    But Ohiri expressed concern over the fragmented health insurance system, comprising 83 private insurers and 37 state health insurance agencies.

    The NHIA boss described the development as a challenge to creating a unified and efficient healthcare framework for Nigerians.

    He lauded the agency’s achievements in healthcare reform, attributing the success to collaboration with state health insurance schemes and stakeholders.

    Ohiri listed key initiatives, such as the Fistula Care Programme, which offers free treatment for women with obstetric fistula, and the Saving One Million Lives (SIGOP) programme, designed to reduce maternal deaths by eliminating financial barriers during emergencies. 

    Read ALso: Ondo govt to register journalists into health insurance scheme

    “When women face life-threatening obstetric complications, financial constraints must not hinder their survival. We waive costs to ensure immediate care and subsequent enrollment into health insurance,” he said. 

    According to him, the agency has expanded access to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services in over 100 facilities nationwide.

    Ohiri expressed worry over Nigeria’s fragmented health insurance system, saying there is a need to rebuild public trust, enforce regulatory compliance, and enhance awareness to boost enrollment.

  • 19.2 million Nigerians enroll in health insurance – NHIA

    19.2 million Nigerians enroll in health insurance – NHIA

    A total of 19.2 million Nigerians have enrolled in health insurance at both national and state levels, reflecting a 14% increase from the previous figure of 16.7 million, the Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Kelechi Ohiri, has said.  

    The milestone is seen as a significant step toward expanding healthcare access across the country as the agency highlighted its target to achieve a further 20% increase in enrollment by 2025.  

    However, he expressed concern over the fragmented health insurance system, which includes 83 private insurers and 37 State health insurance agencies, describing it as a challenge to creating a unified and efficient healthcare framework for Nigerians.

    Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the agency’s end-of-the-year briefing, the DG commended the agency’s achievements in healthcare reform, crediting its success to collaboration with state health insurance schemes and stakeholders. 

    He highlighted key initiatives such as the Fistula Care Program, which offers free treatment for women with obstetric fistula, and the Saving One Million Lives (SIGOP) program, designed to reduce maternal deaths by eliminating financial barriers during emergencies.  

    “When women face life-threatening obstetric complications, financial constraints must not hinder their survival. We waive costs to ensure immediate care and subsequent enrollment into health insurance,” the DG said.  

    He noted that the agency expanded access to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services in over 100 facilities nationwide.

    The DG, however, expressed concerns about Nigeria’s fragmented health insurance system, which comprises 83 private insurers and 37 State health insurance agencies. 

    He emphasized the need to rebuild public trust, enforce regulatory compliance, and enhance awareness to boost enrollment, saying, “Trust is crucial. Nigerians need to know that being insured guarantees access to care”.  

    To address rising medical costs, he said the NHIA increased capitation rates by 60% and professional fees by 40%, adding that actuarial studies are ongoing to ensure premiums align with industry standards. 

    He also disclosed that the agency has set ambitious targets for 2025, including a 20% increase in enrollment, expanded access to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services in over 100 facilities nationwide, and collaborations with the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to provide health insurance for retirees.  

    Furthermore, he revealed plans to launch a fully digital platform for enrollment, claims submission, and complaint management to enhance efficiency and user experience. 

    According to him, the NHIA has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with 11 hospitals and partnered with organizations such as the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the African Center for Population Health Policy to sustain progress. 

    The DG reiterated the agency’s commitment to creating a system where every Nigerian, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to quality healthcare. 

    “We are not just building a scheme; we are redefining healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” he said.

    In his remarks, Habib Abdulhameed, Acting Director of Enforcement, disclosed that the NHIA received 2,591 complaints between January and October 2024. 

    Of these, 1,678 were against healthcare providers, while 913 were directed at the NHIA itself, he said.

    According to him, the agency achieved an 82% resolution rate for complaints, which he attributed to a decentralized complaint handling system operating at the state level.  

    He further credited the success to a robust monitoring and evaluation framework that tracks complaints and ensures prompt resolution. 

    He said in 2024, the NHIA sanctioned several healthcare providers for non-compliance, including warnings, fines, and suspensions, including a total of 100 healthcare providers that faced sanctions, with 97 cases resolved.

  • Ondo govt to register journalists into health insurance scheme

    Ondo govt to register journalists into health insurance scheme

    Ondo state government said plans were underway to include journalists in the private sector in the state health insurance scheme.

    It said it want to take the lead on health insurance coverage in the country.

    Director-General of the Ondo State Health Contributory Commission, Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, spoke when the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) donated health kits and other consumables to the clinic of the Ondo state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    Dr. Oyeneyin said the gesture was to ensure quality healthcare delivering to journalists in the state.

    He said: “We aim to make Ondo State a leader in health insurance coverage in Nigeria. Our programmes are designed to ensure that no resident is left behind, particularly those in rural and informal sectors. The equipment distributed today will enhance healthcare delivery at all levels.

    “We are preparing the necessary documentation to ensure prompt approval for journalists not yet covered, further demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity.”

    Presenting the items, special adviser to the governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, described the NUJ as a critical partner.

    Prof Odimayo said the state government would give positive consideration to the union’s request for the enrollment of journalists in the state not working with the federal or Ondo state governments.

    He said: “With these tools, healthcare workers in NUJ can respond more effectively to medical emergencies and routine care, ensuring better outcomes for Journalists in Ondo State.

    Read Also: Troops destroy 17 illegal refineries, seize 170,000 litre of stolen products in Niger Delta 

    “These programmes represent a strategic approach to bridging healthcare gaps in the state. By focusing on vulnerable groups and equipping healthcare facilities, we are building a sustainable healthcare system accessible to all.

    “ORANGHIS aims to provide affordable healthcare to residents through a network of accredited public and private hospitals. The scheme covers services such as maternal care, treatments for hypertension and diabetes, and surgeries for critical illnesses.”

    Ondo NUJ chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, had appealed to the state government to enroll journalists into its health insurance scheme. 

  • 5% health insurance enrollment hinders human capital development, institute tells FG

    5% health insurance enrollment hinders human capital development, institute tells FG

    The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) has cautioned that health insurance coverage of less than five percent of Nigeria’s over 200 million population is not a positive indicator of the nation’s human capital development.

    Describing the low enrollment level as alarming, the Continental Research Institute noted that 27 years after the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was launched to shield households from the financial burden of out-of-pocket health payments, less than five percent of the country’s population have enrolled.

    These findings were contained in a research report on Thursday in Abuja at the AERC and Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) policy dialogue on human capital to a development project in Nigeria, themed, “Leveraging Economic Development Through Human Capital In Nigeria: The Roles of Foreign Direct Investment and Health”.

    In his presentation on the theme of the dialogue, Dr. Terrence Kairiza of Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe noted that despite being mandatory for formal workers in both public and private sectors, the NHIS has only managed to cover less than five percent of Nigerians by 2022.

    Lamenting that the growth of the country was inconsistent with its human capital potential, the AERC scholar emphasised that Nigeria as the most populous country in Africa has a vast pool of potential human capital of over 200 million people with over one-third of them comprising the youths has vast potential to take advantage of the import of human capital in the development nexus

    He said indications are that human capital could be developed by external means through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and internal channels such as investments in health and education.

    “Nigeria’s health insurance coverage remains alarmingly low, with less than 5 percent of its 208 million population having any form of health insurance.

    “Uptake varies across states but is largely concentrated in major business hubs. The uptake of insurance is also higher for the formal sector versus the informal sector and for men versus women.

    “Private health insurance, particularly employer-based insurance, is the most prominent type of health insurance among Nigerians. Nigeria’s overall health insurance uptake pattern mirrors the private health insurance uptake across States.

    “Employer-based insurance accounted for 94 percent of private health insurance uptake across Nigerian States as of 2018.”

    Commending government efforts at making health insurance compulsory for all citizens, the Zimbabwe University Economics lecturer however noted that the results have been modest, especially for informal sector workers and women.

    Kairiza then suggested that to boost uptake, policies should tackle both the supply and demand sides of health insurance.

    According to him policies on the supply side should focus on offering subsidies to informal sector workers and women to reduce premium costs, developing low-cost, limited-benefit insurance products, and creating online platforms for insurance enrollment and management.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa flags off Health Insurance Scheme for informal sector, private workers

    Adding the demand-side policies should concentrate on educating informal sector workers about health insurance benefits, streamlining enrollment processes, and encouraging group insurance for informal sector associations.

    Kairiza however expressed optimism that Nigeria’s human capital could be strengthened through external Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and internal health and education.

    He said Nigeria, as one of the highest recipients of FDI in Africa was well positioned to leverage the benefits of human capital to improve development outcomes.

    The Executive Secretary of NISER, Prof. Antonia Simbini said the policy dialogue was to share preliminary research findings and policy implications of the research output on the human capital development project in Nigeria.

    She maintained that it was critical to have a stakeholder engagement to share the findings and allow comments before the research is published.

  • Health Insurance tariffs increment imminent – NHIA

    Health Insurance tariffs increment imminent – NHIA

    The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), in agreement with critical stakeholders in the health insurance space, is set to increase its tariffs, it emerged on Wednesday, July 3.

    This followed a 60 percent increase in the capitation and a 40 percent upward review in Fee-For-Service (FFS).

    Capitation and FFS are forms of payment made to healthcare providers for services rendered to beneficiaries under NHIA.

    The resolution was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting between NHIA management and key health insurance stakeholders that included representatives of the Association of Private Medical Practitioners, Guild of Medical Directors (GMD), and other key players in the health insurance ecosystem,  where a six-point communique with a range of resolutions was adopted.

    Following the meeting, a new medicine and services pricing structure was endorsed, even though the new price regime is without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing actuarial studies commissioned by NHIA.

    The NHIA Director General (DG), Kelechi Ohiri said the development was part of the NHIA’s efforts to ensure the sustainability of the health insurance scheme and improve service delivery.

    However, he did not specify who would bear the burden of the new tariff between the enrollees and the agency as a form of subsidy.

    In a statement by the agency’s acting director of media and public relations, Emmanuel Ononokpono, the resolution was arrived at during the 2nd Stakeholders Meeting on the Review of NHIA Medicines and Professional Services Price List held on July 2nd, 2024 in Abuja.

    The new tariffs, which apply to current services offered under the Authority, take immediate effect.

    It was further agreed that the new price regime is without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing actuarial studies commissioned by the Authority.

    The report of the actuarial studies is expected in September, Ononokpono said in the statement, adding that for purposes of transparency and synergy, the forum will hold a quarterly meeting to align with developments in the sector.

    “In his keynote address, Ohiri said that access to affordable and quality healthcare by the enrollee remained a top priority of the Authority, urging stakeholders to put the interest of Nigerians on top of all other considerations.

    Read Also: Katsina bags best state health insurance agency award 2024

    On the imperative of stakeholders’ cooperation, Ohiri noted that all hands must be on deck to achieve the goal of universal health coverage, assuring that the Authority will maintain a close and cordial relationship with all relevant stakeholders.

    “NHIA does not take its stakeholders for granted. We always appreciate their collaboration within the context of achieving the goal of Universal Health Coverage,” the DG said.

    It was also resolved that while the Associations were mandated to nominate a representative for the review of the actuary evaluation, Healthcare providers would forward data on utilization to NHIA for timely completion of actuarial work.

  • FG to review upward payments to hospitals for health insurance

    FG to review upward payments to hospitals for health insurance

    The Federal Government is tinkering with the idea of reviewing upward the fixed payments to hospitals as capitation for health insurance services, The Nation learnt.

    Capitation payments are payments agreed upon in a capitated contract by a health insurance company and a medical provider.

    They are fixed, pre-arranged monthly payments received by a physician, clinic, or hospital per patient enrolled in a health plan, or per capita.

    Disclosing this at the Annual General Meeting of the Board of Directors of Ultimate Health, a leading Health Management Organisation in the country, Dr. Lekan Ewenla, said the upward review will address the current situation leading to complaints by some hospitals. 

    Ewenla said review was last carried out in 2014.

    He explained that the law stipulated that review of capitation be carried out every 24 months to accommodate inflationary and other economic trends. Ewenla, who is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ultimate Health, said: “

    So, as we speak today, the good news I want to share with us is that we are already interfacing with the leadership of the regulatory agency and they are already looking at the overall review of the capitation.  As a matter of fact, before the last DG left, when the pressure was much, he increased the N128 for the HMOs bearing risk at secondary level to N146. 

    “But that was a far cry from where we’re going because the truth of the matter is the inflationary trend has gone up.”

    He said there was a need for inflationary trends to be put into consideration for upward review of premiums so that services could continue to be provided by hospitals.

    He explained: “At commencement, it was determined to be N550 per person per month in 2005 and the actuarial reports that were submitted to the regulator indicated that a recommended percentage should upwardly review the N550 or whatever 65 per cent within 24 months.

    “This was to take care of the inflationary trend which was responsible for the upward review of N550 to N750 in 2014.”

    He highlighted the review was not carried out in the stipulated two years which would have been 2007 but was carried out in 2014 instead, which saw the rise of premium from N550 to N750.

    “Now the last review that was done was in 2014, we all know the exchange rate today and we all know that the bulk of the medications that we use in this country to provide services are imported.

    “So facilities, hospitals, that’s our primary risk bearer no longer enjoy the scheme,” he said.

    Ewenla stressed that health insurance is volume driven with provision for basic healthcare services to be covered, and with an amount attached to the services to be rendered.

    Read Also: Osun enrolls 244,000 residents for health insurance

    He added that all of these parameters were put into consideration in developing the health insurance programme for Nigerians.

    Chairman Board of Directors, Angela Ajala said Ultimate Health Services has recapitalised its capital base from N400m to N1bn in keeping with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act 2022.

     Ajala noted that the organisation went beyond the N750m minimum requirement stipulated by the regulatory body – the National Health Insurance Authority.

    “We believe that if they say N750m, we can do a billion because we are not restricting ourselves to just Nigeria, we’re going beyond. So we need to expand our base and make sure that we can take on the expansion we’re doing.”

    She said the previous business year was a mix experience as it was challenging and also successful. 

  • Organisation denies health insurance myths

    Organisation denies health insurance myths

    An esteemed Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), SUNU Health Nigeria has debunked the widespread healthcare misconceptions about access and affordability to health insurance schemes in the country.

    In a press statement on Wednesday, April 24, the Head of Business Retention at SUNU Health, Reginald Nweke, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to providing vital health information to Nigerians.

    According to Nweke, medical professionals are skilled in delivering standard care while guaranteeing that participants receive excellent service.

    He added that HMOs offer universal access to healthcare and accommodate different financial situations.

    Nweke said: “We are delighted to debunk common myths surrounding the health maintenance organization’s landscape. Importantly, we believe in empowering individuals with accurate information to make informed healthcare decisions. Our longstanding commitment to affordability, accessibility, and quality healthcare underscores our mission to create a healthier Nigeria for all.

    “There is a common misconception that HMOs provide substandard care by favouring generic medications over brand names. However, it’s important to understand that generic drugs are equally effective as their brand counterparts and often come at a lower cost. It’s essential to remember that healthcare professionals prioritize patient well-being above all else, as reflected in their oath.

    Read Also: Fubara launches Rivers health insurance scheme, CHPP

    “Doctors are trained to prescribe in generic name while the Pharmacist can dispense the available brands of the drug. HMOs strive to manage costs effectively while ensuring that enrollees receive high-quality medical care. Enrollees are advised not to patronise any hospital that dispenses substandard drugs. Emphatically, Doctors are under an oath not to harm and should not dispense substandard drugs.

    “The primary goal of HMOs is to effectively manage the care of their enrollees, not deny it. In reality, it’s in their best interest to ensure that members receive appropriate treatment to prevent complications. Denying care would ultimately result in dissatisfied customers and higher costs in the long term. HMOs practice on the principle of best and necessary medicine.

    “This is false. HMOs provide a range of health insurance plans to accommodate various budgets. Affordable coverage is accessible to everyone, irrespective of social class or reputation. On whether only employers can provide health insurance, you shouldn’t restrict yourself to employer-sponsored plans. Individual and family plans are readily available, making HMO coverage accessible to everyone.

    For also misconceptions that young and healthy don’t need health insurance, it’s important to recognize that accidents and illnesses can occur unexpectedly, regardless of age or health status.

    HMO coverage serves as a safety net, ensuring individuals receive necessary care without facing financial strain. HMOs provide all forms of access to medical care.”

  • Health Insurance: FG disburses N26b as Kogi enrolls 73,583 

    Health Insurance: FG disburses N26b as Kogi enrolls 73,583 

    The Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA),  Kelechi Ohiri, has described the enrollment of 73,587 residents of Kogi state under various health insurance programmes as a critical step towards the attainment of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the state.

    While commending the governor of the state, Usman Ododo, for this accomplishment during the official launch of Kogi state citizens’ enrollment into health insurance in Lokoja, Ohiri emphasized that Kogi’s initiative highlights the essential collaboration required between the NHIA and the states to achieve the UHC 2030 target.

    To enhance healthcare at the Primary Care level nationwide, Ohiri stated that N26b has been disbursed under the NHIA gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) initiative to underscore the Authority’s commitment to providing ongoing technical support to state health insurance programs.

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    In a statement by the acting Head of the Media and PR Unit, Emmanuel Ononokpono on Wednesday, Ohiri, who expressed excitement over Kogi state’s feat, described the effort as historic.

    It reads: He further noted that the enrollment of the State’s civil servants under the formal sector programme and persons under the Basic Health Care Provision Programme (BHCPF) was a significant milestone in the overall effort to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria, stressing that health insurance is a critical tool for reducing health poverty.

    “While noting the significance of the number of people enrolled, Ohiri emphasized the Federal government’s determination to achieve UHC, adding that the objective can only be speedily attained through the synergy between the NHIA and State governments.

    “Aimed at boosting health care at Primary Care levels across the country, the health insurance chief disclosed that N26b has so far been disbursed under the NHIA gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund initiative, giving the assurance that the Authority will sustain technical support to state health insurance agencies within the context of collaborative working with institutions at sub-national levels.

    “Speaking at the occasion, the governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo stated that the enrollment of citizens of the state underscored his administration’s commitment to improving the health indices of the people.”

  • 1,000 residents get free health insurance forms

    1,000 residents get free health insurance forms

    Wife of Ojodu local Council Development Area (LCDA) Mrs. Abimbola Odunmbaku has distributed 1,000 free health insurance forms to the residents.

    The gesture was part of free medical outreach held in conjunction with the Lagos Health Management Agency (LASHMA).

    Mrs. Odunmbaku said the act was an essential step by the Olusegun Odunmbaku-led administration in promoting healthcare coverage for residents.

    The health insurance, she said, would help provide financial protection and access to better medical resources.

    According to her, the initiative was to ensure the residents have access to quality healthcare services when needed.

    She said her husband’s administration has consistently prioritised the rejuvenation of primary health service delivery guided by the H.E.Y. S (Health, Education, Youth and Women Empowerment, and Social Infrastructure) agenda and both the medical outreach and distribution of health insurance forms were significant steps in promoting the health and well-being of the residents.

    “Today, our dedicated medical team will be providing a comprehensive range of free services, including hypertension and diabetes screenings, free medication, and free health insurance. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every member of our community has unfettered access to high-quality healthcare services, regardless of their financial status,” she  said.

    Read Also: Assembly launches probe into Bayelsa health insurance scheme

    According to her, the administration have recorded some essential projects which includes Installation of Solar Power Systems at several Primary Health Centers (PHCs),  procurement of a brand-new Ambulance for emergency services, upgrade of selected PHCs to offer 24-hour services, recruitment of competent medical personnel, initiation of regular medical checkups.

    She explained that the adminstration collaborated with Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as WaterAid Nigeria, Rotary Club, and others to provide Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, medical amenities in public spaces within the LCDA.

    Mrs Odunmbaku stressed that the efforts is aimed at ensuring that residents enjoy the benefits of grassroots’ governance.

    She urged residents to utilize the opportunity of the free medical outreach to take care of their health.

    “I implore you all to seize this opportunity and come forward for medical check-ups and treatments. Your health is your most valuable asset, and it is of utmost importance that you prioritise its care,” she said.