Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun, on Wednesday, inaugurated a health insurance scheme for all commercial motorcyclists in the council area.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abeokuta, the chairman, Afeez Balogun, said that the initiative was a replication of the Ogun State government’s policy of inclusive healthcare for all segments of society.

He posited that the initiative had been extended to the informal sector, covering all commercial motorcyclists and their passengers, with the council paying the policy premium upfront.

He added that the initiative had been at the forefront of his administration programmes since he assumed office, saying it was important to consider the vulnerable, particularly in the case of emergency healthcare services.

Mr Balogun advised commuters in the area to ensure they request the health insurance card before riding any commercial motorcycle.

”We kicked off the distribution of all-inclusive health care insurance cards to “Okada riders” to boost the welfare of riders and passengers.

“We have been working on this scheme since assumption of office. This is part of the governor’s commitment to the people, and all we have done is to replicate it at the grassroots level.

“We, as the local government, have paid for the policies upfront; all we are doing now is onboarding whoever is interested”.

In his remarks, the Seriki Hausa in Egbaland, Ibrahim Hassan, commended the local government for the initiative.

He said that the initiative would ease the burden of caring for accident victims.

Mr Hassan assured of full subscription by his people and advised passengers to patronise only insured riders.

The executive secretary of Ogun State Health Insurance Agency (OGSHIA), Dr Afolabi Dosunmu, disclosed that part of the benefits included free treatment for arthritis, diabetes, operations, malaria, among others.

He also explained that in case of an accident that required emergency medical treatment, the victims would be admitted at the closest healthcare centre to the scene of the incident in the state.

(NAN)