In an effort to provide affordable healthcare for its citizens, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has launched the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for the informal sector.
The scheme aims to benefit residents of the state who work in the informal sector, covering a wide range of medical treatments including malaria, respiratory tract infections (RTI), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, common infections, surgeries, antenatal and postnatal services, neonatal services, and immunisation services, among others.
Over 4,000 artisans, market women, farmers, commercial transport operators, and private sector workers across the state are expected to benefit from this initiative.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of collective efforts to improve healthcare accessibility, stating that healthcare is a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of human development.
He stated, “I am delighted that we have been able to create a sustainable source of funding that lowers the financial barriers to healthcare for our residents. It is on this premise that I stand to usher in a breath of fresh air in our healthcare delivery system with the Orange Health Insurance Scheme, designed for those in the informal sector. Our administration once again has demonstrated the political will in line with the need to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”
The governor recognized the success of ORANGHIS among public servants since its inception in 2022, acknowledging the foundational work laid by his predecessor, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in establishing the scheme for public servants.
He also praised the leadership of the organized labor unions for their support in implementing the scheme for public servants, considering it as a model of collaboration.
Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted other ongoing healthcare initiatives under his administration, particularly the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme, which provides coverage for antenatal care, delivery, and essential services for pregnant women and children under five. He noted that since 2019, the scheme has already benefited over 46,740 residents.
Aiyedatiwa encouraged political leaders, philanthropists, and individuals to enroll in the scheme and play an active role in improving healthcare delivery across Ondo State.
The Director-General of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, described health insurance as a practical solution to Nigeria’s declining health indicators and projected that the state would be among the top five states with the highest health insurance coverage in the country by the year 2027.
The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, commended the government’s contribution to the premium of ORANGHIS beneficiaries.
The state Coordinator of the World Health Organization, Dr. Dele David, praised the government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage and assured continued support from the organization to ensure more people have access to quality healthcare in the state.
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