The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KW-HIA), Dr Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, has disclosed that more than 100,000 residents have so far registered in the state’s health insurance scheme.
Speaking during an engagement in Ijomu Oro, Irepodun Local Government, organised by the agency in collaboration with the European Union (EU-SARAH Initiative), Dr Jetawo-Winter said the beneficiaries include students, people in the informal sector, persons with disabilities, and private organisations.
“Today, we have more than 100,000 beneficiaries enjoying health (insurance) in the state, starting from students in our tertiary institutions, the informal sector, private organizations, with all civil servants and their families joining it very soon,” she said.
She explained that Kwara State continues to benefit from donor support under Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, owing to the administration’s heavy investments in healthcare.
“In the last few years, Kwara has continued to witness unprecedented donor support in our health sector to serve different population segments such as under-5 children, young women and pregnant mothers, the physically challenged, those living with different diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and many more. One of such support is the EU-SARAH initiative, being powered by the European Union with technical assistance from UNICEF and UNFPA,” she said.
Dr Jetawo-Winter added that 15,000 residents from target populations, supported through the EU-SARAH Initiative, would have free access to quality healthcare services at nearby facilities for the next few years. She stressed that the aim was to reduce infant, neonatal, and maternal deaths.
She commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to health sector development, saying: “From primary healthcare centres to tertiary hospitals, our Governor is intentional about the health and safety of the citizens.”
Last week, the agency’s team sensitised communities in Afon, Reke, and Aboto-oja in Asa Local Government on the importance of enrolling in the scheme.
The event in Ijomu Oro was attended by dignitaries including Kwara House of Assembly member representing Irepodun Constituency, Hon Shola Odetundun; Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin; Barrister Teju Oguntoye; Hon. Olabode Adekanye; Prince Samuel Alebiosu; APC Chairperson in Irepodun, Hajia Rasheedat Kareem; General Manager of The Herald Newspapers, Mr Yomi Adeboye; and President of Kwara South Youth Organisation, Abolarin Dan-Sarafa.
Traditional rulers were also represented, with the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye ll, represented by the Eesa of Oro, High Chief Samuel Taiye. Baale Ijomu Oro, High Chief Matthew Taiye Ademola, and High Chief Samuel Oguniyi were also in attendance.
Hon Odetundun and Barrister Oguntoye praised the turnout of community members at the sensitisation exercise and encouraged them to embrace the health insurance scheme.
The Oloro of Oro, Oba Titiloye, also appealed to residents to take advantage of the programme, noting its affordability and benefits. He commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s drive for development, especially in the health sector.
Oloriewe Raheem highlighted the government’s achievements across sectors, stressing that the EU-SARAH partnership with the agency was proof of Kwara’s growing recognition in healthcare investment.