Qualitative healthcare, inalienable right of every Nigerian ― Akeredolu

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State says qualitative healthcare is an inalienable right and evidence of human dignity, which must be provided for every Nigerian by a responsible government.

Akeredolu said this on Monday in Akure at the inauguration of Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC) Office.

He said that healthcare remained one of the human development indices, hence, his administration’s resolve to live up to the understanding.

“Universal Health Coverage (UHC) around the globe, and particularly in developed climes, is a norm. Health insurance, also known as contributory health, guarantees UHC.

“UHC is at the epicentre of our political and administrative ideology. We are favourably disposed to an equitable distribution of scarce resources for the health benefit of all.

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“We have conscientiously demonstrated equity by providing a platform whereby both the rich and the vulnerable can draw financial strength to cater for their health.

“This veritable platform is occasioned by the establishment of Ondo State Contributory Health Commission as well as Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme,” he said.

According to the governor, residents shall contribute a little premium for their health while the amount shall be determined by the level of income, in the spirit of equity, justice and fairness.

“Our government shall, however, contribute to this scheme on behalf of the vulnerable in our society.

“It, therefore, means that pregnant women and under-five children shall be catered for free-of-charge under the contributory health scheme by the state government.

“Summarily, our aim is to reduce to the barest minimum, the financial barrier to qualitative healthcare in Ondo State,” he said.

Earlier, the General Manager, ODCHC, Dr Abiodun Oyeneyin, expressed his commitment under the governor, to make the scheme a model for the nation.

Oyeneyin further pledged that the commission’s core values of excellence, integrity, empathy and transparency would be upheld at all times.

He thanked Akeredolu for putting up a befitting place and providing a number of working tools and said a formal request for other necessary operational tools like vehicles, would be made.