Retired Public Servants in Ogun State have begun enrolling for the Governor Dapo Abiodun-approved lifetime health insurance scheme for pensioners, expressing profound appreciation to the Governor for what they described as a compassionate intervention that has renewed their hope of accessing quality healthcare without financial hardship.
The enrolment exercise, which had commenced simultaneously across the State, followed Governor Abiodun’s recent approval of free lifetime health insurance coverage for pensioners under the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme, targeted at improving the welfare of retirees.
Monitoring the exercise, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, described the initiative as another demonstration of the administration’s people-centered approach to governance, saying the Governor had once again shown that the sacrifices of retired public servants would not be forgotten.
She said the enthusiasm displayed by pensioners at the registration centres reflected the significance of the intervention, noting that many of the beneficiaries were visibly delighted by the opportunity to enjoy quality healthcare without the burden of paying directly for medical services.
According to her, the initiative recognised the invaluable contributions of retirees to the growth and development of the State, stressing that the government had a responsibility to care for those who devoted their productive years to Public Service.
“I am delighted that our seniors who served the State for decades can now have untrammelled access to health care without having to pay for it out-of-pocket. They are evidently happy about His Excellency’s approval for this programme. One of those who registered asked me about the programme’s sustainability. I want to assure them all that the enrollment of pensioners into the health insurance scheme is backed by law and would continue beyond the present administration. What we have done is take the bull by the horns and get the ball rolling,” she said.
The Commissioner added that the registration exercise would cut across all local government areas to ensure every eligible pensioner was captured.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Olusegun Adewale, who is recovering from a stroke, described the initiative as a life-saving intervention, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Abiodun for easing the financial burden of healthcare on pensioners, saying the gesture had rekindled hope among many retirees who require regular medical attention.
On her part, Mrs. Titilayo Odufuwa, a retired teacher, commended the Governor for prioritising the welfare of pensioners, noting that the lifetime health insurance scheme would guarantee access to quality healthcare at a stage in life when medical needs are often required.
Similarly, Mrs. Titi Alade and Mr. Musbau Sotola, lauded the State Government for fulfilling its promise to care for retired public servants beyond active service, describing the initiative as unprecedented.
