Oyo Flags Off Health Insurance Scheme For Public Primary School Pupils

The Oyo State Government has officially launched a health insurance scheme for public primary school pupils as part of measures to broaden access to qualitative healthcare services for children especially, the less privileged.

During the flagged off ceremony in Ibadan on Thursday, Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, said the initiative is part of state’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and support universal health coverage.

He said sound mind is always a sound body, stressing that the flagged off is to ensure that the pupils have sound body with good health. 

While commending the agency for capturing more than 10,000 pupils, the Governor maintained that the laudable initiative must also be extended across zones in the state. 

He commended the support and collaboration from the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners, and urged all stakeholders to key into the initiative as the scheme would be a “win-win” for all.

Governor Makinde however reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding the scheme to all LGAs in the state, while assuring parents and guardians that the initiative would be sustained.

He said: “Health and education are top priorities for this government. By ensuring our children receive quality medical care, we are investing in the future of Oyo State.

“This program is a win win for everyone. On this note. I Flag of this initiative.”

The scheme, which falls under the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) is designed to provide free medical care to primary school pupils across the 33 local government areas of the state.

Earlier in her remarks, the representative of UNICEF, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere said access to affordable, quality healthcare is a fundamental right for every child. 

She said the initiative reinforces their collective commitment to universal health coverage, ensuring that no child faces financial obstacles to accessing healthcare.

She stated further: “Universal health coverage is more than a healthcare goal-it’s a social and economic necessity. When children have access to healthcare, they can focus on education, grow into productive adults, break the cycle of poverty, and contribute to the success of Oyo State and Nigeria.

“At UNICEF, equity is our guiding principle-ensuring equal opportunities for every child. This scheme exemplifies this by focusing on public primary school children, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

With 90 schools already enrolled across 18 LGAs, our goal is to ensure all 33 LGAs in Oyo state are covered, leaving no child behind.

“UNICEF proudly supports this health insurance initiative, and we eagerly look forward to continued partnerships to grow the scheme further. Let today’s event be a rallying call for action -our commitment to ensuring every child in Oyo State has access to healthcare.

“UNICEF remains steadfast in supporting the government and communities toward universal health coverage. Congratulations to the Oyo State Government, the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) and all partners.

“Together, let’s build a healthier, more inclusive, and equitable future for every child.”

The Executive Secretary of OYSHIA, Dr. Sola Akande, however highlighted the importance of the initiative in reducing child morbidity and mortality rates.

He acknowledged that the agency has an initial target of 10,000 pupils to be enrolled for the scheme. He reaffirmed the commitment of the agency in making health care delivery reach a large number of residents in the state.

“This program ensures that no child in public primary schools is denied access healthcare due to financial constraints. It is a proactive approach to safeguarding the future of our children,” he stated.

In their separate remarks, the commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi, the chief UNICEF Lagos field office, Ms Celine Lafoucriere and the Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran, agreed that universal health coverage is not only a health goal but social and economic necessity, confirming that the scheme for pupils of public schools is first of its kind in Nigeria.

Parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals, who spoke to newsmen also lauded the initiative, describing it as a game-changer in the state’s healthcare sector.

Beneficiaries also expressed gratitude, with many stating that the scheme would relieve them of the financial burden of medical expenses.

Some of the pupils; Moradeyo Taiwo from Community Primary School, Akindele Daniel and Ademola Rachael both of IDC Basic School, Bodunde Egbeda expressed their joy and thanked Governor Makinde for creating such access to quality healthcare services which they said would reduce the financial burden on their parents.