In its resolve to strengthen and reform the Ogun State health sector as a social security institution with a view to achieving a more comprehensive healthcare delivery for all residents of the State, the Ogun State House of Assembly has just passed the bill on the State Health Insurance Scheme Bill.
The bill titled, “HB.NO 039/OG/2019- ‘A bill for a law to provide for the Establishment of the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme and the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme Governing Board with the objectives of ensuring access to good health care services to all residents of Ogun State and protecting their families from Financial hardship of huge medical bills and other matters connected therewith was passed during a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Suraju Ishola Adekunbi, following the presentation of the Committee on Health’s report by its Chairman, Israel Jolaoso.
Jolaosho, thereafter moved the motion for the adoption of the report which was seconded by Hon. Olusola Sonuga and supported by the Whole House through a voice vote after which the bill was later read and adopted Clause- by – Clause by the Committee of the Whole House.
The motion for the third reading of the bill was later moved by the Deputy Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, seconded by Hon. Rasaq Oduntan, while the Clerk of the Assembly, Engr. Lanre Bisiriyu, did the third reading of the bill.
Responding, Speaker Adekunbi, thereafter directed that the clean copy of the bill be forwarded to the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for his assent.
Meanwhile, it would be recalled that Stakeholders in the health and allied sector in the State at a public hearing on the bill, described the legislation as an instrument for positive initiative for all levels of income earners in the State aimed at repositioning the State health sector to cater for the people irrespective of age, social status or political affiliations.
They remarked that the implementation of the bill would reduce out-of-pocket expenses on healthcare as it would take care of the rise in the cost of health care services for equitable distribution of health care costs among different income groups.
Earlier, Speaker Adekunbi has emphasized the importance of annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day saying it remained a moment of reflection on the need to always appreciate the efforts of fallen heros who had contributed to the existing peace and tranquility in the State and nation at large.
Adekunbi said this during a courtesy visit by the State Council of Nigerian Legion led it Chairman, Comrade Oloyede Taofeek, noting that the present administration led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun would continue to support the families of the fallen hero’s, who had sacrificed their lives for the unity of the nation which Nigerians would forever appreciate.
Assuring them of Assembly’s support to the legion, the Speaker explained that government would continue give succour through relevant support to the families of the fallen heroes.
Earlier,Comrade Oloyede Taofeek, lamented the sufferings of families of the fallen heros, called for the celebration of the lost souls beyond the annual celebration, as they never shirked their responsibilities in the face of challenges and the risk of death for the sustainability of peace and harmony.
Packaged by Hazeez Ayansola
