Moved by the need to meet the health necessity of the people, Kogi State Commissioner of Environment, Chief Victor Adewale Omofaiye has enrolled about 30 persons in the State Health Insurance Scheme.
The Programme which is being sponsored by the Commissioner of Environment in collaboration with the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency will afford beneficiaries to access free Medical Treatment in the next one year with the payment of 10% for drugs.
Speaking at the flag off of the Programme at Ekinrin Adde Cottage Hospital in Ijumu Local Government Area, Chief Omofaiye noted that the gesture was in appreciation to God for sparing his life and his way of giving back to the society.
Represented by the Councillor representing Ekinrin Adde Ward, Mr. Durowaiye Omonola, the Commissioner commended the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for initiating the health insurance Programme which according to him is a way of bringing quality health care closer to the people, particularly rural dwellers.
Chief Omofaiye noted that the enrollment of 30 persons is the first phase of the Programme, pointing out that other Communities in Ijumu Local Government will soon benefit from the scheme.
While praising the management and Staff of the Health Insurance Agency for implementing the project efficiently and effectively, he enjoined well-to-do individuals in Ijumu, Okun land and Kogi State in general to embrace the scheme for the benefit of the people.
He expressed appreciation to the people for their support and cooperation with Government, urging them to sustain their prayers for him.
The Executive Secretary, Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Aledare Adekunle in a remark said the scheme was a brain child of Governor Yahaya Bello aimed at providing cheap and affordable health care for the people of the State.
“Kogi State Health Insurance Agency is an Agency that can provide access to quality and affordable health care services to the people. Before the Governor came on board, there was no Kogi State Health Insurance Agency so when the Governor came on board, he realized the importance of health insurance that it helps in health insurance and to reduce out-of-pocket spending. When you have a health insurance coverage the money you spend on your health will be very reduced.”
He called on the people of the State to key into the Programme for their health benefit, saying enrollment only cost #15,000 per person.
“Kogi State Vital Contributor Health Insurance programme is #15,000 per annum per person. You know that people with diabetes, hypertension and other ailments spend more on drugs and if you enrol on this scheme, you will spend less.”
The Olu Adde of Ekinrin Adde, Oba Anthony Bamigbaiye Idowu said the gesture is a clear indication that the Commissioner has the interest of the people at heart, not minding the recent Kidnap Attempt on him.
Oba Idowu, who described the health Insurance Scheme as laudable and thoughtful, explained that the Programme if properly implemented would make Kogi a healthy State.
He called on well meaning persons in Kogi State not to the the health insurance agency as Government Agency alone but a way of improving the health of the people by enrolling in the scheme.