Ogun canvasses community leaders' support for health insurance scheme

By Our Correspondent

The Ogun State Government has said that the huge task of effective and qualitative healthcare delivery can be better achieved with the support of relevant stakeholders, affirming that community involvement in its drive to implement health insurance is second to none. 

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker made this known at a stakeholders meeting with Community Development Association (CDA) Chairmen across the 20 local government areas of the state organised by the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency in Abeokuta.

Describing community leaders as crucial stakeholders to the success of the health insurance scheme for the informal sector, Coker said that it is no news that many countries of the world have achieved greatness in the health sector through community involvement.

She said that a situation where community pull resources together with the government to make healthcare available prevents people from paying out-of-pocket when they are ill.

"Many countries of the world achieved quality health through health insurance when communities pull resources together alongside government. Government cannot do it alone. We have to join hands with the present administration to ensure we have qualitative health system in our state.

"  In such case, it is not only those who are sick that will contribute but every member of the community. The resources would be used care for whoever is ill because we all win together," Coker said. 

The Health Commissioner lamented that Ogun State is lagging behind in the implementation of the health insurance scheme, pointing out that a good number of states in the country have commenced it since 2018. 

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary, OGSHIA, Dr. Afolabi Dosumu, appreciated the various community leaders in attendance, assuring that the health insurance in the informal sector will reduce cost expended on treating common illnesses.

Responding on behalf of the CDC Chairmen, Chairman, Zonal CDC, Odogbolu, Mr. Osibemowo Babasola, commended the government for the timely cost and life-saving intervention, promising that they would disseminate the message in their various localities.