The Ondo State Government on Friday in Akure disbursed N38 million as support to 39 individuals in the state through its Medical Assistance Programme.
By Alaba Olusola Oke
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, Dr Banji Ajaka, said that the support was part of government’s commitment towards supporting individuals finding it difficult to afford their medical expenses.
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 that are deserving of the assistance. No bias and out of the 54 patients that applied, 39 succeeded,” he said.
He advised residents of the state to embrace the contributory health insurance scheme to cater for 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 40 and 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 registered.
“You take your delivery whether spontaneous vaginal delivery or cesarean section without paying a dime,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, appreciated the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa for approving the programme.
“Not only that he has approved, but released the funds. He has been assisting people that are in need of medical assistance in the state since he became the governor.
“It is better for all of us to key into the Contributory Healthcare Insurance Scheme, an opportunity that anyone can access whenever there is need for us to take care of our health.
“We will go to the hospital without paying out of pocket,” stated.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Caroline Jimoh, expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as timely.
“Many of us had given up on treating our health problems because of lack of money. This gesture has restored hope to us,” Jimoh said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)