By Chukwuma Umeorah
As a show of commitment towards enhancing the safety and wellbeing of petroleum tanker drivers, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), in collaboration with Leadway Health Limited, has launched a comprehensive health insurance scheme for members of its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch.
The health insurance scheme systematically addresses the inherent risks and challenges confronted by petroleum tanker drivers, who navigate arduous terrains, endure adverse weather conditions, and work extended hours to ensure the uninterrupted nationwide supply of fuel.
President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha while speaking at the launch in Lagos on Thursday, underscored the moral imperative of the union to render essential support, care, and protection for these set of workers given the indispensable role that they play in the supply chain of petroleum products across the country.
Akporeha stated, “It is our moral obligation as a Union to provide them with the necessary support, care, and protection they deserve. Today, we have come together to address this critical need by introducing the Health Insurance Scheme for our petroleum tanker drivers. This comprehensive health insurance coverage will ensure that our Petroleum Tanker Drivers have access to quality healthcare services, preventive care, and emergency medical attention. Through this scheme, we aim to alleviate financial burdens, provide peace of mind, and guarantee timely medical intervention when needed for our members.”
Akporeha commended the National Executive Council (NEC) of NUPENG for the foresight in initiating the scheme.
He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of NUPENG and Leadway Health Limited in establishing a sustainable and inclusive health insurance program meticulously tailored for its drivers.
This is even as he urged drivers to embrace the scheme and take advantage of its benefits, underscoring the paramount importance of health and safety while encouraging preventive measures, regular medical check-ups, and prompt medical intervention when required.
The Managing Director/CEO of Leadway Health Limited, Tokunbo Ali, represented by Gideon Anumba, expressed the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality services.
Ali assured the leadership of NUPENG that with over 53 years of industry experience, the company would uphold its venerable reputation and provide tanker drivers with a commendable and operationally viable health insurance plan.
According to him, “The health insurance would be administered through a network of over 2,000 hospitals across Nigeria, offering a roaming scheme that affords members the flexibility to access care in any state.”
Ali elucidated the issuance of a card with an enrollee ID, ensuring seamless eligibility for medical services.
The scheme comprehensively addresses a spectrum of healthcare needs, including ambulance transfer services for emergencies.
He added that the company would be swift in resolving challenges that drivers may encounter with various hospitals in the process of receiving medical attention.
National Chairman of PTD, Augustine Egbon, underscored concern for the health and well-being of tanker drivers, emphasizing the imperative need for social protection and care.
”This will curb the frequent death or incapacitation from minor illnesses that our members have faced on the road for years. It will ensure that the health and well-being of all Petroleum Tanker Drivers on the Wheels are catered for. This laudable project could not have been possible without the push and support from the leadership of our great Union,” he explained.
On his part, the General Secretary of NUPENG, Afolabi Olawale, provided assurances to members that the union will rigorously scrutinize the partnership with Leadway Health Limited.
He urged drivers to promptly report any dissatisfaction with the services for swift resolution.