Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said the state’s health care insurance scheme is compulsory for workers and contractors.
Ajimobi, who traced the Western involvement in health care to 1883 when compulsory sickness insurance started in Germany, said making the scheme compulsoiry would sustain the initiative and make it functional.
The governor spoke at the launching of a N50 billion health care Endowment Fund at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
The fund is meant for the restoration and transformation of government hospitals and health centres in Oyo State.
The state has 57 general hospitals and government clinics as well as 622 primary health centres.
The event was well attended by traditional rulers, captains of industries, representatives of corporate organisations, international development partners, religious leaders, lawmakers, political office holders, community leaders, government appointees, policy makers and stakeholders in the health sector.
Notable individuals at the event include the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, represented by Chief Yusuf Ayoola; Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; and members of the Olubadan-in-Council, among others.
Present also are Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu and his health counterpart, Prof. Isaac Adewole, represented by Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Prof. Temitope Alonge; federal lawmakers from the state, among others.
Speaking on modality to be adopted in increasing subscribers, the governor said parents would present their registration cards before their children will be enrolled in schools, and direct deductions made on contractors’ and others’ pay.
