Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KW-HIA), has said that over 100,000 residents have so far been enrolled in the State’s Health Insurance Scheme.
She said the beneficiaries cut across students, people in the informal sector, persons living with disabilities, and private organisations, among other categories.
Jetawo-Winter attributed the progress to the sustained investments of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s Administration in the health sector, which had also attracted unprecedented donor support.
Speaking at Ijomu Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area, during an engagement organised by KW-HIA in collaboration with the European Union (EU-SARAH Initiative), she said: “Today, we have more than 100,000 beneficiaries enjoying health insurance in the state, ranging from students in tertiary institutions, members of the informal sector, and private organizations, with all civil servants and their families set to come on board very soon.”
She highlighted the impact of international partnerships, noting that, “in recent years, Kwara has continued to benefit from donor support in the health sector, targeting under-five children, young women and pregnant mothers, the physically challenged, and people living with conditions such as HIV and tuberculosis. One of such supports is the EU-SARAH Initiative, powered by the European Union with technical assistance from UNICEF and UNFPA.
“The achievements of the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency under this administration have made our state more attractive to international donor organisations.”
According to her, 15,000 people in the target group supported through the EU-SARAH Initiative will have free access to quality healthcare for the next few years at facilities close to their communities.
Jetawo-Winter also praised Governor Abdulrazaq’s commitment to health infrastructure and manpower, saying, “from primary healthcare centres to tertiary hospitals, our Governor is intentional about the health and safety of Kwarans.”
The Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye II, who was represented by the Eesa of Oro, High Chief Samuel Taiye, while Baale of Ijomu Oro, High Chief Matthew Taiye Ademola, and High Chief Samuel Oguniyi were also in attendance.
The Oloro of Oro, Oba Titiloye, also encouraged the people to take advantage of the scheme, describing it as affordable and impactful. He commended Governor Abdulrazaq’s passionate drive for development, particularly in the health sector, and urged citizens to continue supporting the Government.
Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin, former State Commissioner for Information, equally lauded the Governor’s initiatives across all key sectors, noting that the EU-SARAH partnership with KW-HIA reflects recognition of the State Government’s heavy investments in healthcare.
