Abeokuta South LG Flags Off Health Insurance Scheme For Commercial Riders

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…As beneficiaries describe the scheme as a problem-solving initiative

The Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, Hon. Balogun Olaniyi Afeez (BOA), on Wednesday kicked off the distribution of all-inclusive health care insurance cards to Okada riders to boost welfarism of riders and passengers.

The healthcare initiative, which is tied to Governor Dapo Abiodun’s healthcare initiative, is also replicating the BOA “Everyone Matters mantra” held at the local government secretariat, with the presence of relevant stakeholders in attendance.

Speaking at the flag off, Hon. Balogun emphasised the need for the local government to empower the grassroots with healthcare insurance, adding that it also served as a replication of the Ogun State Government’s policy of inclusive healthcare for all segments of society.

Balogun posited that the initiative has been extended to the informal sector, covering all Okada riders and their passengers, with the council paying the policy costs upfront.

He further explained that the initiative has been at the forefront of his administration since he assumed office, thereby seeking a means to bridge the gap among the vulnerable, particularly in the case of emergency healthcare services.

He posited that the scheme is necessary for anyone who values their life and that of their passengers, thereby calling on the general public to ensure they ask for the health insurance card before boarding bikes.

Balogun, while buttressing his point, noted that as time goes on, it will also be extended to those of the taxi drivers and others to ensure that there is an improvement in life and healthcare, thereby giving a safety net for anyone who needs quality healthcare services.

“We have been working on this scheme since the assumption of office. This is part of the governor’s commitment to the people, and all we have done is to replicate it at the grassroots level”

“We have gone further to accommodate the informal sector, meaning all Okada riders, including their passengers can be covered in this scheme”

“I am sure this is why they are happy for it to work. Now they have a solution to accidental care, which hitherto has been a burden to them”, he added

“We, as the local government, have paid for the policies upfront; all we are doing now is onboarding whoever is interested”.

Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, disclosed that as time goes on the scheme would be gradually enforced to improve the behavioural change process.

“We are not going to shy away from it. With time, it will be enforced because it is a risk for anybody to be on the road without having insurance. We are not compelling anybody but I can explain to you that it is important to have the insurance done”

“Enforcement is not the first thing, this is a process, and what we have done with Okada will also go for taxis and buses,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Seriki Hausa in Egbaland, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Hassan, declared that the scheme is welcomed on behalf of the Arewa community, commending the council Chairmen for the beneficial initiative.

He lamented that the majority of his people had suffered long ago before the implementation of the health insurance scheme by the local government.

He maintained that the local government chairmen’s initiative on the health insurance scheme has eased the burden of caring for accident victims.

Hassan Hassan assured of full compliance among his people and advised passengers to patronise only insured riders.

Speaking on the benefits, the Executive Secretary of Ogun State Health Insurance Agency (OGSHIA), Dr. Afolabi Dosunmu, disclosed that part of the benefits includes free treatment of Arthritis, Diabetes, Operations, Malaria, among others.

He also explained that in case of an accidental issue that requires emergency, the victims will be admitted freely at any nearest healthcare centres in the state.

Meanwhile, some of the beneficiaries described the programme as a welcome development, adding that it would have a great benefit for riders, and commended local government chairmen for their problem-solving initiative.

“We have been looking for this kind of initiative for the past twenty years. Before, if something happened to us, we spent up to ₦200,000. We really appreciate our chairman for it,” Muhammad said.