The Ogun government has charged residents of the state to embrace health insurance to avoid out-of-pocket payment for health services, especially during emergency cases.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, said this on Thursday during a roadshow to sensitise residents of Ijebu-Ode and environs on the need to embrace the scheme.

Mr Coker assured the people that the scheme was fully backed hence not a “one-administration” programme, adding that it would stand the test of time.

According to him, the scheme is backed by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022, which seeks to provide universal health coverage for all Nigerians.

She added that each state of the country is expected to establish its health insurance scheme to achieve this goal.

“One of the great things about this initiative is that it is a national thing. Health insurance in Nigeria has transitioned from National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to the State Health Insurance Scheme (SHIS).

“Our administration in its character had fully swung into action after Gov. Dapo Abiodun launched the scheme in the state early last year.

“Because it is backed by law, I want to assure residents of the state that it will outlive every administration after ours,” she said.

Speaking on the benefits of the programme, the commissioner said that residents who enroll are expected to pay a monthly premium of N1,000 for an individual and N4,000 for a family of six.

“With this, they would enjoy preventative care, curative care, a good number of surgeries, and other forms of healthcare services in government health facilities and selected private hospitals across the state,” she said.

She added that newborn babies of pregnant women under the scheme are entitled to three months of free post-natal care.

She noted that health insurance was one of the best ways to avert financial hardship peradventure a cesarean section is required for delivery.

The roadshow also featured Nollywood actor and brand ambassador of the Ogun state health insurance scheme, Odunlade Adekola.

Mr Adekola pleaded with residents to avail themselves of the programme, describing it as security against financial crisis that may occur from critical health challenges.

One of the enrolees of the scheme, Mrs Folasade Adekoya, described health insurance as a good development that would ensure that people no longer shy away from seeking care in hospitals because of lack of funds, saying that N1,000 monthly premium for the insurance is affordable.

(NAN)