Milestones in Maternal and Child Health Insurance in Ondo State
The Ondo State Contributory Health Commission has made significant strides in improving maternal and child health since the launch of its Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme. In a recent announcement, Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, the Director-General of the commission, revealed that over the past six years, the scheme has provided vital support to 55,557 pregnant women and children under five years of age.
Overview of the Abiyamo Scheme
The Abiyamo scheme is part of the broader initiatives under the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, designed to eliminate financial barriers that prevent residents from accessing essential healthcare services. The scheme aims to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the medical attention they need without the burden of high costs.
During a celebration marking the sixth anniversary of the commission in Akure, the state capital, Dr. Oyeneyin highlighted the program’s remarkable achievements. He noted that since its inception, the Abiyamo scheme has facilitated the delivery of over 18,305 babies, including 5,107 births through Cesarean section. The statistics are impressive, with the births also including 436 sets of twins, 11 sets of triplets, and two instances of quadruplets.
Expanding Access to Healthcare for Vulnerable Populations
The commission has been proactive in reaching out to vulnerable groups within the state. As of October 2021, a total of 82,662 individuals have been enrolled in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund Programme across 203 wards in all 18 local government areas. This initiative specifically targets widows, the elderly, women of reproductive age, and children under five.
Dr. Oyeneyin emphasized the inclusivity of the program, noting that it also covers 203 orphans, 2,517 individuals with disabilities, and 404 people living with sickle cell disease. Additionally, essential medical services such as renal dialysis have been provided to beneficiaries, with 18 individuals currently receiving regular treatment.
Support for Civil Servants and Their Dependants
The benefits of the health schemes extend to civil servants as well. Dr. Oyeneyin reported that 103 public servants have enrolled in the Orange Health Insurance Scheme, which is part of the commission’s efforts to broaden access to healthcare. To date, a total of 103,738 enrollees, including public servants and their dependants, have gained access to medical care at their preferred healthcare facilities. Remarkably, over 1,366 surgeries have been performed under this scheme in less than three years.
Future Goals and Community Engagement
As the commission reflects on its achievements, Dr. Oyeneyin urged residents to take full advantage of the government’s health initiatives. He expressed a commitment to expanding coverage, with a goal of enrolling an additional one million individuals in the next two years. This ambitious target aims to provide relief and hope to even more families across Ondo State, reinforcing the government’s dedication to public health.
In conclusion, the achievements of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, particularly through the Abiyamo scheme, represent a significant advancement in healthcare accessibility for women and children in the region. By continuing to build on these successes and actively engaging the community, the commission is poised to further enhance healthcare delivery and improve the overall health outcomes for the state’s residents.
