Ogun provides free health insurance for pregnant women, elderly

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has announced plans to provide free health insurance to over 70,000 beneficiaries, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, market women and other members of the informal sector across the state.

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He said his administration would be providing free pre-natal care, and an additional N5,000 per birth in State Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centers across the state.

The governor in a press conference held on Wednesday in Abeokuta, the state capital, explained that his administration is taking proactive measures to alleviate the impact of the current economic hardship on the people of the state.

He said, “As an Administration, we are not oblivious nor insensitive to these challenges being faced by our citizens. I therefore on behalf of this Government, want to appreciate the perseverance, patience and understanding of all the good people of Ogun State.

“Let me assure you that the present economic situation is just a transient phase that will soon pass. Whatever we experience now are just necessary sacrifices that we have to make towards ensuring a greater tomorrow.

“In a special way, we extend our appreciation to the President and Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his continuous efforts in navigating the complexities of our nation’s economic landscape. His dedication to steering the ship through turbulent times has not gone unnoticed.

“Even the IMF and World Bank have commended these initiatives. It is this sincerity of purpose that is the main ingredient of the continued success of the “Renewed HopeAgenda.

“The Federal Government is not only steadfast in its commitment towards creating a brighter future for all citizens but is also trying hard to foster a society where prosperity and well-being of the entire citizens prevail.”

On why his administration is embarking on the programmes, Abiodun explained, “As our Administration acknowledges the concerns raised by many of our citizens regarding the rising food prices and shortages, coupled with the depreciation of the Naira, we identify with you and are taking proactive measures to alleviate the impact of these challenges to guarantee the welfare, well-being and wellness of our citizens in this difficult time.

“In this direction and through targeted interventions, we aim to address these challenges by implementing a series of phased initiatives aimed at alleviating these burdens on all our citizens.

“We will be providing insurance health cover for over 70,000 beneficiaries including pregnant women, children, the elderly, market women and other members of the informal sector.

“More specifically, for pregnant women, under our Ibidero Scheme, we would be providing free pre-natal care, an additional N5,000 per birth and free post-natal care in our State Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centers across the State.”

He, however, stated that there would be provision of food palliatives, which include rice and other food items for about 300,000 households across the state.

PUNCH/Wumi