Residents of Ogun State have been urged to embrace and subscribe to the government informal sector Health Insurance Scheme, to enjoy the benefit package which include; maternal, neonatal and child health services, surgery, eye care, emergency psychiatry management, emergency care, and annual screening for communicable diseases, among others.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker made the call in Abeokuta, during a  sensitisation meeting with market leaders from Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, and Egba Zones of the State, saying the scheme would enable the people to access qualitative and affordable healthcare.

Coker said the present administration had invested hugely in the health sector, particularly in the upgrading of facilities with experienced personnel across the State, saying it would contribute to the quality of care provided to subscribers of the scheme.

The Commissioner added that "We understand the need to reach all stakeholders in the society and make them realise the long-term benefits of this scheme. Also, we have enrolled thousands of vulnerable people for free through the Basic Healthcare Provisions Fund (BHCPF), which is an aspect of our Health Insurance’’.

She revealed that the government had engaged different stakeholders in the informal sector such as Community Development Associations ( CDAs), artisans, and traditional leaders,  urging market leaders to support the government and encourage their members to embrace the scheme towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary, Ogun State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Afolabi Dosumu, stated that enrollment for the scheme would attract a monthly payment of N1,000 per head and N4,000 for a family of six, to save residents the stress of paying out-of-pocket during health emergencies.

Responding on behalf of the market leaders, the Iyaloja-General of Ogun State, who doubles as the Iyaloja of Yewaland, Alhaja Anifat Abass lauded the State government for the initiative and promised to promote the Scheme in their domains