The Ondo State government said over 4000 babies have benefited from its Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme since its introduction two years ago.

The state Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, who disclosed this on Thursday to journalists in Akure, said the figure also included 380 twins and 10 triplets, which were also delivered under the scheme.

He said the health scheme designed for pregnant women and children under five years of age was to prevent the rate of maternal mortality in the state.

“Till date, the Abiyamo scheme has recorded over 46,741 beneficiaries (pregnant women and children below 5 years of age). Total deliveries 4,265; Twins 380; Triplets 10; Quadruplets two and all services are provided at no cost to the beneficiaries,” Mr Ajaka added.

He explained that the health scheme was initiated under the government of the late governor Rotimi Akeredolu, noting that the present administration was committed to revitalising the state health sector.

According to him, no less than 56,700 citizens of the state have also been enrolled in the State Contributory Health Commission aimed at ensuring universal health coverage.

The beneficiaries, Mr Ajaka noted included widows, elderly, people with disabilities, the vulnerable women of reproductive age group, and children under five cut across the 18 LGAs of the state.

He, however, added that the governor recently inaugurated the Orange Health Insurance Scheme for the state’s informal sector where over 4,000 artisans, including farmers and market women benefited from.