The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to the provision of affordable healthcare services to over 60 per cent of the state’s population through community health insurance scheme.
Ahmed disclosed this in Abuja when he signed a memorandum of understanding on behalf of the state government with a health insurance fund provider for the expansion of Kwara Community Health Insurance Programme over the next five years.
The governor, who observed that healthcare system in the country was a major challenge that must be addressed by all stakeholders to make it function effectively, said the programme will run from 2013 to 2017 in all local government areas of the state.
He also said that plans were underway for the recruitment of more medical personnel as well as additional renovation of hospitals and health centres across the state to address critical needs.
He explained that the essence of the agreement was to expand access to healthcare delivery, maintaining that no citizen would go beyond 500 metres from his residence before having access to medics in order to improve healthy living of the populace.
He noted: “Many people, especially at the grassroots, have not been able to afford medical bills in the hospitals and what we are trying to do is to assist not less than 60 per cent of Kwarans in accessing affordable healthcare services.”
Revealing that the scheme, which started with about 200 patronages in 2007 in Shonga, Edu Local Government Area of the state, would be increased to between 2,000 and 3,000 with new community health insurance scheme.
The governor said that the Kwara State and Dutch governments in partnership with the Hygeia Group, would pay the premiums to enable the people enjoy the healthcare services at affordable rates.
The governor, who listed human capital development, infrastructure and equipment as key elements in health sector, assured stakeholders that the five general hospitals being renovated across the three senatorial zones of the state would be commissioned before the end of first quarter of the current year.
Also speaking, the chairman of health insurance fund, Kees Storm, said: “We are here for the signing of MoU with Kwara State Government for the benefit of 60 per cent of the people.
“We started in Shonga in 2007 and I think we will make history with the new one, because Kwara and other partners are very committed to the scheme.”
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