Ogun seeks support of traders, artisan for health insurance scheme
The Ogun State Government has called on traders, artisans, and owners of small-scale businesses to support its health insurance scheme for the informal sector to fast-track the state’s progression towards achieving universal health coverage.
READ ALSO: Ogun State to implement health insurance in informal sector
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, gave this call at a stakeholders’ meeting with trade and artisan unions and associations in Abeokuta, on Wednesday.
“It is important to intimate the associations about the benefit packages of the scheme and its significance for their members.
” The health insurance scheme would be unveiled for the informal sector before the end of the year, adding after its official inauguration, traders and artisans who sign on for the scheme would begin to enjoy the packages after 60 days in about 146 primary and secondary health facilities across the state.
“The governor has promised the people of Ogun State qualitative and affordable health care. That is why we have rehabilitated, equipped, and provided adequate staff for many of our primary health centers as well as secondary hospitals. With this scheme, ordinary residents of the state will be able to access quality care for about 250 diseases without having to pay out-of-pocket,” she said.
Coker also said that through the strategy, those insured would be able to access care for common diseases such as malaria, diabetes, antenatal and postnatal care, and common childhood diseases, saying the insurance would also cover screening for cancers that are peculiar to Nigerians.
She maintained that the government had introduced the strategy with the informal sector because of the huge population of potential beneficiaries, adding that workers outside the formal sector were more at risk of occupational hazards.
Adama/Punch
