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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has expressed gratitude to Governor Ademola Adeleke for enrolling 20,000 pensioners into a health insurance scheme, saying the gesture has alleviated their medical burden.
The union’s secretary, Lawrence Dele Aina, stated that the initiative has significantly impacted the lives of many retirees in the state who could not afford hospital bills from their pension.
Speaking to journalists in Osogbo, Aina confirmed that the enrolment figures were accurate and emphasised the positive effects of the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS).He, however, urged the governor to extend the benefits to additional members who had yet to be included in the free health programme.
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He noted that while the scheme initially covered various minor ailments, it had since expanded to include partial payments for surgical operations. He appealed for full coverage for all medical procedures to further assist pensioners.
Aina narrated the financial relief the programme had provided, particularly with the additional N25,000 received by pensioners, which has alleviated some of their medical burdens. He also thanked OHIS for addressing concerns, including providing a free borehole when they reported issues with their water supply.
Ayodele Olusegun, a retired teacher, shared how the health insurance had encouraged him to seek medical treatment: “The gesture of the governor is profoundly appreciated. If not for this health care, many of us would struggle to survive.”
Oyewusi Asifat, another pensioner, narrated the difficulties of affording medical care prior to the health insurance scheme, citing his pension of just N3,500 since retiring in 2003.
