By Bose Momohjimoh
In a landmark move aimed at promoting healthcare accessibility and affordability for teritary institutions, Kogi State Government has given approval for the formal rollout of a health insurance scheme for students.
This groundbreaking initiative is set to significantly enhance healthcare services for students in higher institutions across the state.
The State Government through Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, is proposing a fee of N2,000 per student per academic session.
One of the primary objectives of the scheme is to deliver quality and affordable medical services to students as well as promote their well-being both on and off campus.
The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, (SGS),.Dr Folashade Arike Ayoade unveiled the scheme during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between government and management of nine tertiary institutions in the state in Lokoja.
The MoU aims to establish an agreement between the State Government and the higher institutions in the state in addition to fostering partnership and support for the welfare undergraduates.
The SGS reaffirmed government’s commitment to prioritising the health and welfare of its citizens, particularly its student population.
She equally lauded the potential positive impact of the health insurance scheme on students and parents acknowledging the fact that the initiative will provide a platform for students in the state to enjoy medical attention without raising fears about parents not being able to provide the needed financial requirements for the treatment of their wards.
The SGS further used the forum to appreciate the Executive Secretary of Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Adekunle Aledare and his staff for making the state proud through the implementation of the programme.
She equally applauded former Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the initiative as well as the current Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for sustaining the vision which she observed has made life easier for the people of the state.
Dr Folashade Arike Ayoade advocated for the proper sensitisation and education of all relevant stakeholders especially the Student Union Government about the programme. And that the student leadership would be expected to adequately brief students about the scheme and how the payment of a medical bill of N2,000 will be included in their school fee per session.
Speaking, the Vice Chancellor,Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Professor Marietu Tenuche appreciated Governor Ododo for the initiative and also appointing capable hands to bring the project to light.
She expressed confidence that the scheme will maker health care accessible and affordable to the student community especially with the current economic challenges while advising them to key into this initiative to enable them live healthy lives on campus.
Contributing, the Provost, College of Education, (Technical), Mopa, Dr. Mrs Victoria Jagboro, described the initiative as one of the best considering the impact it would have on the lives of the students either in school and outside the school environment.
According to her, students are guaranteed to enjoy access to both the primary and secondary services which only requires authentication from the agency and that the services received will be free at the secondary service.
Shedding further light on the MoU, the Executive Secretary of Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Adekunle Aledare , explained that the agreement was between tertiary institutions in the state and Kogi State Government to provide access to quality healthcare at affordable rate ranging from primary to secondary services which are beyond the normal school bay.
He also hinted that the scheme will be formally flagged off by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in the coming days adding that the scheme is tailored towards ensuring that students can access the service from school or home as long as they are students of any institution.
Dr Aledare assured all stakeholders that the scheme will put smiles on the faces of parents and address the financial risk of the families.
In addition, he said plans are on to expand the scheme to the informal sector and that the programme will cover people who are unemployed in the informal sector.
Just as he disclosed that scheme in the informal sector known as the Vital Contributor Health Insurance Programme will cost N15,000 per person per annum and they that they can pay 10 percent on their drugs like civil servants.
With this initiative, the Kogi State Government reaffirms its commitment to prioritising the health and welfare of its citizens, particularly its student population.
