Health
Oyo approves compulsory health insurance for workers, govt. partners
The Oyo State Executive Council has made the enrollment for its health insurance compulsory for all civil and public servants, saying that the Executive Council’s decision is in line with the provision of Section 16, Sub Section 1 of the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) Law of 2016.
The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun disclosed this on Monday, explaining that the compulsory enrollment of all civil and public servants from level 1 to level 12 will be the Standard Plan with Eight thousand naira (N8,000) as premium per annum inclusive of N200 registration /service while from level 13 and above will be on the Standard Plus plan of Thirteen Thousand, five hundred Naira (N13,500) premium per annum.
Arulogun said that the executive council also approved the compulsory enrollment of all students of Oyo State institutions on Students Plan with a subsidized premium of N2,800 per annum.
The Government spokesman said that the state government will also demand certificates of health insurance or evidence of same from individuals, groups, companies or institutions that intend to do businesses with Oyo State.
The commissioner stressed that such businesses shall include but not limited to Registration of Hospitals and Allied institutions, schools and allied institutions, premises and companies, vehicles and all forms of procurement and supplies, Renewal of Certificates and license, Application for certificates of occupancy, rents and allied applications, saying that health insurance certificate shall also be part of pre-requisite to access loan or similar funds from Bureau of investment by individuals and cooperatives societies.
Arulogun said “the payable premium by these enrollees, Public and Civil servants in the services of the state and local governments as well as students in the State Tertiary institutions will be directly deducted by the State’s Ministry of Finance and other relevant institutions, as the case may be, for direct remittance into the account of the Agency on Monthly basis as stipulated in section 19 (4) and 36 (1) of OYSHIA Law 2016.
He explained that the health insurance scheme is meant to alleviate poverty through significant reduction in “out-of-pocket” expenditure on health by residents of the State and making quality healthcare affordable and accessible to every resident of the state.
The commissioner disclosed that the OYSHIA has taken delivery of medical equipment worth Seventy Four Million, One Hundred and Twenty Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira (74,129,800.00) that will be used at accredited, adding that drugs and consumables have also been supplied to 42 OYSHIA accredited public facilities (both Primary Health Centres – PHCs and State/General Hospitals).
Arulogun stated further that 21 private facilities were also accredited to participate in the scheme, saying that there is an on-going renovation of accredited PHCs at no financial cost to the government which demonstrates that health insurance will ultimately reduce government expenditure on health and fast-track the development of health sector.
He said that Caesarian section has been done under the scheme for 15 enrollees without any out of pocket payment, bringing immediate impact to the quest to reduce maternal mortality rate in the state.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered the immediate closure of the Gomboru drug market in Maiduguri following severe flooding that submerged the area and contaminated the drugs sold within the market.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, NAFDAC disclosed that the decision was made after reports surfaced that contaminated drugs, which had been washed and sun-dried for resale, were being sold at the market.
“After the recent flooding in Maiduguri that submerged the Gomboru drug market where contaminated drugs were washed and sun-dried for resale, the @DGatNAFDAC ordered the immediate closure of the market to conduct a thorough shop-to-shop removal of these compromised drugs,” the agency wrote.
The flooding, which ravaged Maiduguri, was triggered by the rupture of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of the city.
The floodwaters claimed at least 30 lives and displaced 400,000 residents, leaving large parts of the city and surrounding areas in devastation.
NAFDAC’s intervention is aimed at safeguarding public health by preventing the sale and consumption of contaminated drugs.
The agency has mobilized teams to inspect the market and ensure the removal of all compromised pharmaceutical products.
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State has expressed deep concern following the recent outbreak of cholera cases in the state.
Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated water and food, poses significant health risks, particularly in densely populated areas with inadequate sanitation.
Oseni urged residents of Oyo State, especially those in his constituency, to prioritise hygiene practices and strictly adhere to recommended safety measures, emphasising the critical importance of proactive measures to halt the disease’s spread.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, the state capital, the lawmaker underscored the necessity of maintaining clean water sources and practicing proper sanitation methods.
“Cholera outbreaks can be significantly reduced if we all take responsibility for our hygiene habits and ensure our surroundings are clean,” he stated.
The APC chieftain also stressed the urgency of seeking prompt medical attention at the first signs of symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, which are characteristic of cholera.
“Early detection and treatment are crucial in combating cholera and preventing its spread. Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation are fundamental rights that must be upheld, especially during health crises like this,” he asserted.
Oseni further called for unity and collective action in combating the cholera outbreak.
He expressed confidence that through concerted efforts and vigilant adherence to preventive measures, communities can contain and ultimately overcome this challenging public health issue.
“By working together, maintaining vigilance, and prioritising hygiene practices, we can effectively mitigate the impact of cholera on our communities,” the lawmaker concluded.
Resident doctors at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo State have initiated a 14-day warning strike, as confirmed by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The strike action, led by the association’s President, John Matthew, highlights various grievances, notably the non-payment of seven months’ salaries to new members.
Matthew added that the strike also addresses the non-payment of palliative to House Officers since February, the failure to disburse the February Hazard Allowance despite prior assurances from the state government, and the ongoing shortage of staff due to resignations.
Matthew lamented the drastic decrease in resident doctors, citing a decrease from 150 doctors to a mere 26 in recent months.
In response to the situation, he urged management to prioritise the full payment of arrears owed to members, immediate payment of the February 2024 palliative to house officers, and prompt disbursement of the February hazard allowance.
The association further called for urgent measures to address the critical shortage of clinical manpower within the institution.
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