From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KW-HIA), has sensitised residents of Offa Local Government, on the need to enroll more in the state’s health insurance scheme.
Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, who led the sensitization campaign, said the community engagement sought to sustain the scheme by increasing enrollment and healthcare service utilization, which according to her, are achievable via awareness creation.
Highlighting the importance of the scheme, Dr Jetawo-Winter said the initiative was meant to relieve various individuals and households of the financial burden that comes with out of pocket treatment.
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She said the common fee-for-service system, where patients would pay for consultations, diagnostic services, treatments and hospital admission, usually places considerable financial pressure on most families, adding this is what the health insurance programme came to address.
“Health insurance allows beneficiaries to save more money for other personal and family responsibilities while ensuring access to essential healthcare services,” she told participants at the Igbo-oro Primary Health Center, Offa, venue of the event.
She disclosed that the agency has so far onboarded over 3000 residents of Offa, asking existing beneficiaries and community stakeholders to talk to others to enroll in the scheme.
The Executive Secretary, therefore, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for investing hugely in the health sector particularly the health insurance programme, noting this further attests to the commitment and sensitivity of the administration to the well-being of the citizens.
According to her, the government has continued to complement the insurance scheme with investments in healthcare infrastructure, including the rehabilitation and construction of health facilities, provision of medical equipment, drugs and improved staffing.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, who is also a native of the community, appealed to the people to embrace the health insurance package, calling it a measure to achieve universal health coverage.
She called on the residents to take advantage of the health insurance while they are healthy rather than waiting until they become sick.
“The schemes are also designed to provide healthcare protection for vulnerable groups and indigent members of society who may otherwise struggle to afford medical treatment,” the Commissioner said, adding that over 100,000 Kwarans have so far been registered for the programme.
“So, let’s visit designated primary healthcare centres to identify suitable insurance packages and register for the coverage.”
Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, was represented at the event by Chief AbdulRahman Gafar. Also present were the Kwara State Coordinator for National Health Insurance Agency, Mrs Idayat Bello Olaitan, some high chiefs of the community and religious leaders.
Some of the existing beneficiaries of the scheme, who gave testimonies during the session, said the initiative has deepened their access to quality and affordable quality healthcare services, commending Governor AbdulRazaq for his leadership impacts.
