The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker has assured that fund meant for the successful implementation of Universal Health Insurance coverage for residents of the State would not be mismanaged.
Coker disclosed this at a 2-day retreat for Labour Union leaders in the State, at Ogere Remo area of Ogun state.
She pointed that the health financing scheme is the best strategy being used all over the world in achieving effective and efficient services, beneficial to both government and the people, adding that government would ensure its sustainability.
She said, ”Universal Health Insurance scheme is a worldwide programme that was established to bring health care service delivery to the doorstep of the people, Ogun State Health Insurance Agency has approached the State House of Assembly to enact a law that will guide the scheme’s activities and prevent anyone from touching the money as part of your request during the last stakeholder’s meeting.
” I am happy to inform you that the law is now existing in Ogun State, please give us your trust, as I assure you that am going to put in my best to make sure that the Scheme works”.
She called on Labour Union leaders to key into the Scheme, for their members to access quality health care services at affordable cost, saying deducted fund from workers’ salaries to the Health Insurance Pool would be judiciously utilised for the purpose it was meant for.
The commissioner noted that necessary procedure would be followed to ensure adequate check and balance, adding that legislative process is ongoing to enhance necessary law backing the Scheme.
Speaking at the retreat, the State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Bankole, commended the Ministry of Health and Health Insurance Agency for the advocacy efforts on the Scheme, requesting the government to provide practical assurance on modalities for deducting premium.
Earlier in his presentation, the Executive Secretary, Ogun State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Afolabi Dosunmu said, implementation of the insurance scheme, would liberate people from untimely death among other issue arising from lack of funds to take care of medical bills.
Dosunmu assured the Unions leaders not to be worried about the policy of the programme, saying they would ensure transparency as well as work in line with laws guiding the Scheme.
