The Ogun State government introduced a new health insurance scheme on Tuesday, specifically tailored for the formal sector, including civil servants, public servants, and employees in the organized private sector. This initiative is part of the 2024 Public Service Week activities.
Recall that Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun initially launched the scheme for the informal sector in February 2022, enabling artisans, market women, traders, and others working outside organized settings to benefit.
During the official launch of the formal sector scheme at the Obas Complex, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun announced that the government would cover 50% of the insurance premium for every registered worker.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun highlighted the administration’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and welfare of public employees, who are the backbone of the government.
The governor noted that the theme of the 2024 Civil Service Week, “Building a Socially Responsive Public Service in the 21st Century: A Place of Ethics and Values,” aligns with the administration’s goals for the public service.
“I want to assure all public servants that their well-being remains a top priority in our development agenda. This is evident from our payment of a N100 million counterpart fund, which granted the state access to the Federal Government’s Basic Health Care Provision Fund since February 2020, the launch of the Informal Sector of OGSHIS in 2020, and the provision of a N100 million take-off grant for the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency in November 2020.”
“As part of our palliative support in the health sector earlier this year, we released N310 million as an equity fund to provide health insurance to low-income residents, part of which enabled free surgeries for over a thousand individuals. Additionally, we have allocated N324 million to support 3,300 pregnant women under the scheme named Ibidero. This includes coverage for antenatal and postnatal care, as well as a 5,000-naira token after delivery,” he added.
Governor Abiodun stressed that the success of the scheme depends on collective effort, urging close collaboration with health officials and stakeholders to ensure the system’s effective implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, remarked that since nearly 80% of Nigerians pay for healthcare out of pocket, many citizens are at risk of catastrophic health expenditures.
She urged state residents to take advantage of both the informal and formal sector schemes, highlighting that these programs offer financial protection against health expenses that could lead to severe financial hardship.
“I am pleased that His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, whose prioritization of health has significantly improved our health systems, is launching this scheme today. This is no longer just a plan; our administration has already initiated it. Rest assured, this scheme is here to stay,” she stated.
In his welcome address, Head of Service Mr. Kehinde Onasanya emphasized that good health is essential to the successful socio-economic activities of the people, reinforcing the adage, “health is wealth.”
He noted that the current administration’s recognition of healthcare’s importance to workforce productivity is evident in the governor’s decision to launch the formal sector health insurance scheme. The scheme, he added, would positively impact the well-being of both workers and their families.
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ogun State chapter Chairman, Comrade Ademola Benco, in his goodwill message, praised Governor Abiodun as worker-friendly and committed to workers’ welfare. He applauded the governor for subsidizing 50% of the premium for every registered worker.
He, however, urged the government to ensure the program’s consistency and sustainability, pledging the union’s support for the scheme’s success.
