Aiyedatiwa enrols pensioners into free Ondo health insurance scheme

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced on Monday the formal enrollment of all retired civil servants in the state into the Orange Health Insurance Scheme. The state government will fully cover the costs of their healthcare, a move driven by the increasing medical needs of pensioners and the escalating costs associated with old age.

The announcement was made during the maiden National Summit of State Social Health Insurance Agencies in Akure. The summit gathered policymakers and health insurance managers to discuss strategies for achieving Universal Health Coverage amidst current economic conditions. Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that the initiative will provide retirees access to consultations, treatment, medication, and specialized services without financial strain.

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I am pleased to formally announce a landmark policy shift by our administration to safeguard the senior citizens who invested their active years in serving our State. I have approved the formal inclusion of retirees under the Orange Health Insurance Scheme at absolutely no cost to them.

"I have approved the formal inclusion of retirees under the Orange Health Insurance Scheme at absolutely no cost to them," Aiyedatiwa declared. He explained that by absorbing pensioners into the scheme free of charge, the administration is removing financial barriers to healthcare. This ensures they receive unrestricted access to premium medical services and essential treatments.

To support this expanded insurance mandate, the Ondo State government is significantly investing in its medical infrastructure. This includes the construction and comprehensive upgrades of healthcare facilities across the state, alongside the recruitment of additional medical practitioners. Furthermore, Aiyedatiwa announced the approval of a N1 billion Hospital Intervention Fund dedicated to modernizing healthcare facilities and improving service delivery. He attributed these advancements to deliberate planning, strategic leadership, and a sustained commitment to the well-being of citizens.

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Our retirees face unique, age-related health challenges during a phase of life where medical bills can quickly become overwhelming. By absorbing our pensioners into ORANGHIS entirely free of charge, we are removing financial barriers to healthcare and ensuring they have unrestricted access to premium medical services, essential treatments and specialised care without breaking banks.