The Ondo State government, on Friday in Akure, disbursed N38 million as support to 39 individuals in the state through its medical assistance programme.

The state commissioner for health, Banji Ajaka, said the support was part of the government’s commitment to supporting individuals who find it difficult to afford their medical expenses.

Mr Ajaka assured residents that the Aiyedatiwa-led administration prioritises their well-being.

“This programme is part of the social welfare programmes in the Ease Agenda of the current administration. Some of them have kidney problems.

“There is a board in place through which they all apply, from which we look at their documents and examine them.

“The board will do that diligently and pick those who are deserving of the assistance. No bias, and out of the 54 patients that applied, 39 succeeded,” he said.

He advised residents to embrace the contributory health insurance scheme to cater to their health concerns.

“You don’t need to have money in your pocket to access the service, and it goes to the level of when you even need to undergo an operation, and the money is being shared in a 40-60 per cent ratio between the patient and government.

“Also, there’s another aspect of it, the Abiyamo scheme, which is for maternal and child health free of charge, provided you register and you take your delivery, whether spontaneous vaginal delivery or caesarean section, without paying a dime,” he said.

Also speaking, Adeniran Ikuomola, the ministry’s permanent secretary, appreciated the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for approving the programme.

“Not only has he approved it, but he has also released the funds. He has been assisting people who are in need of medical assistance in the state since he became the governor,” he stated.

One of the beneficiaries, Caroline Jimoh, expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as timely.

“Many of us had given up on treating our health problems because of a lack of money. This gesture has restored hope to us,” Ms Jimoh said.

(NAN)