Ondo State has been ranked 11th in health insurance coverage in Nigeria.

The Director General of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, disclosed this during the Central Senatorial Healthcare Providers’ Engagement on the Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme in Akure on Tuesday.

He explained that the ranking was announced at a recent health engagement meeting in Abuja. According to him, the commission has been mandated to provide health insurance for all residents of the state in line with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s “Our EASE” agenda. He commended healthcare providers for being dependable allies in delivering effective services to the people.

Dr. Oyeneyin recalled that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which started in 2005 had only 8 percent coverage at inception, while state agencies contributed 50 percent to its growth in less than five years. He urged participants to make meaningful contributions and provide feedback to further strengthen the system.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, in his remarks noted that the State Insurance House will soon be completed. He also disclosed that the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) call centre to be commissioned in Ondo State will serve the entire South West. He assured that the state government is committed to supporting health facilities with necessary equipment and resources to ensure access to quality healthcare.

Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board, Dr. Victor Ategbole, stressed the need for the commission to ensure the functionality of equipment in hospitals, especially government-owned ones. Executive Secretary of the State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency, Pharm. Amos Ayegbusi, gave the assurance that the agency is working to make affordable and quality drugs consistently available. Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Babalola Taiwo, acknowledged the commission’s progress and pledged the association’s support in achieving universal health coverage.

Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Felix Orobode, praised the establishment of the commission and noted that nurses have greatly benefited from ORANGHIS. Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Muyiwa Alonge, encouraged all stakeholders to support the commission, stressing that developed nations thrive by adopting innovative approaches to healthcare funding. Representative of private practitioners, Dr. Michael Ojo, also urged the commission to step up efforts in moving the system forward.

Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Bayo Ilawole, noted that the establishment of ODCHC has significantly improved the health status of residents. Representative of the NULGE President, Mrs. Anthonia Aladegbonmire, appealed for increased tariffs for providers and intensified sensitisation of residents on available services.

Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Ondo State, Comrade Clement Fatuase, commended the Orange Health Insurance Scheme launched in 2022 and acknowledged its steady enrolment of workers. However, he pointed out the need to address delays in service delivery, poor attitude of some health professionals to enrollees, inadequate sensitisation on benefit packages, limited rural coverage and out-of-pocket payments which undermine the purpose of health insurance. He called on providers to treat enrollees with empathy, honour referrals and deliver services without bias in order to build trust in the system.

Fatuase assured of TUC’s readiness to collaborate with ODCHC in raising awareness about workers’ rights, privileges and benefits under the scheme. He also stressed the importance of strengthening monitoring and evaluation of healthcare providers, ensuring prompt payment to avoid service disruptions and engaging labour unions in periodic feedback sessions. He urged the state government to consider an executive order mandating health insurance for all residents, prioritise health in the budget and fully implement inclusive health policies. He added that employees of ODCHC must uphold integrity while erring healthcare providers, TPAs or staff should face strict sanctions in line with operational guidelines and civil service rules.

The steady progress recorded by Ondo State in health insurance coverage reflects the government’s commitment to expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare for all residents.