From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KW-HIA), Dr Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, has disclosed that more than 100,000 residents across the state are now enrolled in the government’s health insurance scheme.
Speaking at a community engagement in Ijomu Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area, organised in collaboration with the European Union’s Support to Strengthening Access to Reproductive Health and Family Planning in Nigeria (EU-SARAH Initiative), Dr Jetawo-Winter, said the programme has extended to students, artisans, people living with disabilities, private organisations, and will soon capture all civil servants and their families.
“Today, we have more than 100,000 beneficiaries enjoying health insurance in the state. The list cuts across students in our tertiary institutions, the informal sector, private organisations, and very soon civil servants and their families will be part of it,” she said.
The health insurance boss credited the successes recorded to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s consistent investment in health infrastructure and manpower, which she noted has attracted international donor agencies to Kwara.
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“In the last few years, Kwara has continued to witness unprecedented donor support to serve different population segments such as under-5 children, young women and pregnant mothers, the physically challenged, and those living with conditions like HIV and tuberculosis. One of such is the EU-SARAH Initiative, supported by UNICEF and UNFPA,” she added.
She revealed that through the EU-SARAH Initiative, 15,000 vulnerable residents would enjoy free access to healthcare in facilities close to their communities for the next few years.
“This is a deliberate attempt to crush infant, neonatal, and maternal deaths in our dear state,” she stressed.
Dr Jetawo-Winter praised AbdulRazaq for his “intentional approach to healthcare development,” pointing to improvements from primary health centres to tertiary hospitals.
The sensitisation event was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, and community representatives, including Hon Shola Odetundun, Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin, Barrister Teju Oguntoye, and representatives of the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Titiloye II.
Community leaders in their remarks, urged residents to embrace the scheme. Hon Odetundun and Barrister Oguntoye described the programme as life-changing, while the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, represented by the Eesa of Oro, Chief Samuel Taiye, appealed to citizens to register, saying it guarantees affordable healthcare.
Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin commended the Governor’s drive for development across sectors, adding that the EU partnership is proof of the state government’s credibility in the eyes of global agencies.
