The Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC) has launched a new initiative to provide medical outreach and health insurance enrollment for pensioners across the state.
This effort is part of the state government’s broader goal to achieve universal health coverage for all its residents.
The Director-General of ODCHC, Abiodun Oyeneyin, explained that the programme is being conducted in all 18 local government areas.
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Speaking to retirees in Akoko North West, he stated that the initiative is designed to ensure that retired civil servants, who typically lose their health coverage upon retirement, can transition to a new plan under the informal sector.
“This age group is among the most vulnerable in society,” Oyeneyin said. “We cannot allow them to be cut off from care because of retirement.” The initiative ensures pensioners have continued access to necessary drugs and healthcare services.
To facilitate the enrollment process, the ODCHC is collaborating with the State Pension Transition Department, leveraging the ongoing statewide verification exercise for pensioners.
This partnership allows the Commission to easily reach retirees and educate them about the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for Retirees.
The Director of Business Development and Client Relations, Ibitoye, highlighted the benefits of the scheme, which include protection from high out-of-pocket medical expenses and access to primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services.
Ogunyankin Francis, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) for Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo LGA, praised the initiative, calling it a “welcome development” that will provide pensioners with “unhindered access to quality healthcare.”
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The state government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the ODCHC are committed to ensuring that every resident has access to affordable and quality healthcare, regardless of age or social status.
