Adeleke’s Health Initiative Has Improved The Wellbeing Of Pensioners In The State.

by emmanuel on 3 weeks ago

Adeleke’s Health Initiative Has Improved The Wellbeing Of Pensioners In The State.

The Adeleke-led administration’s choice to include elderly residents particularly the pensioners in Osun State in the state’s Health Insurance Scheme has been a significant decision that has greatly influenced public healthcare. The governor has relieved and restored dignity to some susceptible individuals in the state by guaranteeing that they are not required to cover any medical costs through the initiative. His dedication to social welfare and deep comprehension of the elderly’s needs is demonstrated in this gesture, as they have devoted their crucial years to the state’s progress but often struggle to afford medical care in their later years.

Before this program, numerous retirees in the state experienced serious health issues because they couldn’t afford regular healthcare or treatments. Frequent issues like high blood pressure, low sugar levels, and strokes were seen in this population, often exacerbated by a lack of essential medications and healthcare services. Without the financial resources to prioritize their health, they lived in fear of falling ill, knowing that they would be unable to shoulder the burden of medical bills as their pensions and gratitudes were being held by the government. However, Governor Adeleke has filled this healthcare system gap by providing a safety net for senior citizens.

The choice to waive the minimal 10% contribution for pensioners, which other citizens are required to pay under the scheme, is both compassionate and strategic. It guarantees that retirees can receive medical treatment without any hesitation or anxiety about expenses. This has resulted in a tremendous surge in engagement, with more elderly individuals now coming for their medical examinations and treatment. A lot of people are now getting treatment for illnesses they used to overlook because of financial constraints, and there has been a notable enhancement in their health.

Over the past few months, following the implementation of the program, medical officers statewide have observed a notable improvement in the overall well-being of retirees. Routine checkups are now common, and elderly individuals, who were previously overwhelmed by untreated illnesses, now confidently visit medical facilities with smiles, knowing they will be treated without financial concerns. Many older citizens have had their spirits uplifted by this initiative, and their gratitude towards the state government is noticeable.

The Governor has demonstrated that governance is not just about grand infrastructural projects; it also includes policies that directly impact the lives of people, particularly those in the twilight of their years. By making the health of pensioners a top priority, the governor has demonstrated a commitment to valuing human capital and ensuring no one is neglected in his administration’s efforts for advancement and growth.

For healthcare providers in Osun State, this initiative has been a blessing. It has enabled doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel to do their jobs without the emotional strain of seeing patients who cannot afford treatment. Now, medical professionals are not just treating illnesses but are actively contributing to the improved quality of life for retirees. The positive feedback from the pensioners themselves is heartwarming, and it fuels the commitment of healthcare workers to continue offering their best services.

This health insurance scheme has a broader impact on the entire sector of health in Osun. This has had the direct impact of reducing the financial crunch faced by pensioners due to emergency health crises and thus prevents unnecessary crowding at hospital emergency wards. Preventive healthcare, facilitated by regular checkups, has reduced the need for more intensive and expensive treatment that arises from neglected health conditions.

The Governor should be praised for recognizing the need to implement this program. Such a move is unprecedented, and at a time when the elders are marginalized, this initiative put them at the heart of state health policy, an action in consideration of empathy and love, essential but often forgotten values in governance. The governor has not only addressed the pressing healthcare need but also elevated the spirits of senior citizens to ensure that they are not left behind.

A healthy pensioner is not only an asset to the state with lowered health emergencies but also relieves pressure on the system. This preventative approach to healthcare ensures that resources are used more efficiently and that the state can focus on maintaining a high standard of care across all demographics.

This bold initiative was made possible by the astute leadership of Governor Adeleke, who grasps the intertwining relationship between health and human function. This has even helped to ease the health burdens of pensioners which should also contribute positively to their state of mind. The comfort of mind that comes with knowing one’s health is catered for has no price tag or zero fears of falling ill and there are indications that this has translated to joy, sound senior citizens in Osun State.

Furthermore, the ripple effect of this program is clear in the pensioners’ families. Children and relatives, many of whom bear the responsibility of caring for their elderly parents or relatives, are now relieved of the financial burden that comes with constant medical bills. This has enabled them to concentrate on other areas of their lives, with the assurance that their loved ones are being looked after by the state government.

This program showcases what is possible when government policies prioritize the welfare of the citizens. The governor has shown that leadership means serving others, and his administration remains dedicated to inclusive governance. The enrollment of senior citizens in Osun State’s Health Insurance Scheme and covering all their medical costs is a wonderful and caring program.

-Dr Adeolu Amos ADISA (MBBS, MPH, FAIPH)
Senior Medical Officer
In-Charge of General Hospital Ijebu-Jesa.

News Health

OSUN CARES Initiative has Yielded Monumental Impact in Agriculture Development in Osun – Project Coordinator, Dr Adediji

by emmanuel on 1 month ago

OSUN MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE’S O-CARES INITIATIVE YIELDS MONUMENTAL IMPACT

DR. GANIYU ADEBOWALE ADEDIJI, HEAD, OSUN- CARES RESULTS AREA 2 DELIVERY PLATFORM

The Osun State CARES Results Area 2 (RA2), being implemented through Fadama Platform has significantly advanced agricultural development and food security in the State under the supervision of the Osun State CARES Coordinating Unit (SCCU) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. From inception to date, the Delivery Platform carried out numerous successful projects that directly helped thousands of farmers and rural communities throughout the state.
According to the Head of the Delivery Platform, Dr Ganiyu Adebowale Adediji who stated that the programme focused on a multifaceted approach to enhance agricultural productivity, improve rural infrastructure, and support food processing and preservation.
This informed the distribution of agricultural inputs in the state. Osun CARES RA2 has provided agricultural inputs and services to 8,060 farmers in the state, out of which 3,972 were females and 4,088 were males. The various inputs distributed consist of improved seed varieties, fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, day-old chicks (broilers), juvenile-size fish, feeds, drugs and vaccines to increase the yield alongside ensuring food security in the state.
The Delivery Platform has also made efforts to enhance market accessibility and minimize post-harvest losses by rehabilitating 90.3 km of rural roads across the state, these roads provide an important link in transporting agricultural produce from rural hinterlands to markets. This particular project has had a direct positive impact on 19,400 people, such as farmers, traders, and local communities, by enhancing road connectivity, hence reduction in transportation challenges and post-harvest losses.
In addition to boosting the agricultural value chain, the Ministry through Osun CARES RA2 provided agricultural assets for the production, processing and preservation of farm produce to 8,750 beneficiaries throughout the state. Those resources consist of knapsack and motorized sprayers, water pumps, pepper grinders, storage freezers, smoking kiln, popcorn machines, fish tanks, palm oil digesters with engines, palm kernel cracker with separators and engines, cassava graters with engines and other farm assets to improve the economic strength of farmers, prolong the storage time of agricultural produce and support food security.
In addition to the above supports, beneficiaries were also provided with training in modern farming practices to effective and efficient use of the agricultural inputs and assets.
“The Osun CARES RA2 has made a tangible impact on monumental challenges in agriculture across the state. The Delivery Platform has improved the life of so many farmers and helped to grow both themselves and economic activities in their areas.”
In the same optimism, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development who doubled as the State Project Coordinator of Osun CARES, Mrs Yetunde Esan added that the ministry will not only continue to build on its achievements of recent years but plans further work among farmers and rural communities in the coming days. The Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture, Otunba Tola Faseru said the success of Osun CARES should serve as a model for other states regarding how to harness agriculture-led economic recovery and growth.
The Chairman of the State Steering Committee, the Honourable Commissioner of Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Prof. Moruf Ademola Adeleke said more projects are likely to follow as the Osun CARES Programme is being further implemented, which will support and improve agricultural production, development of rural infrastructure and increase food security in the state, he concluded.

Health News

Diabetic Patients Groans As Drug Prices Rise By 800%

by emmanuel on 2 months ago

Nigerians living with diabetes are facing an unprecedented crisis as the cost of essential drugs, particularly insulin, has surged by over 800 per cent, leaving many struggling to afford the necessary medications to manage their condition.

The sharp rise in prices, coupled with the economic downturn, has placed a heavy financial burden on individuals living with diabetes, pushing some to forgo treatment or seek out hazardous alternatives.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which over time can lead to severe damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

The most common is Type 2 diabetes, usually in adults, which occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin. Type 1 diabetes is characterised by deficient insulin production and requires daily insulin administration.

In Nigeria, it is estimated that about 11.2 million adults are living with diabetes. Meanwhile, experts have opined that this figure may be far from reality as an estimated two-thirds of diabetes cases in the country are undiagnosed, increasing the burden of diabetes complications and deaths.

Detailing the devastating impact of diabetes drugs price hike, the national coordinator for Persons Living with Diabetes in Nigeria and co-chair of the National Action on Sugar Reduction Coalition (NASR) Comrade Bernard Enyia said, “Two years ago, insulin cost between N2,500 and N3,000. But starting in January of this year, prices skyrocketed, first to N6,000 and then to N12,000, and by June, it was as high as N24,000 in some areas. In Cross River State, I bought insulin for N22,000; in Kano, it was N24,000; in some other states, it went up to N26,000.”

This price volatility has made it nearly impossible for diabetic patients to plan their expenses, as costs fluctuate unpredictably.

“Sometimes the price will drop slightly, only to rise again,” Enyia lamented.

The cost of glucometer, a medical device used to monitor blood sugar levels, has also soared.

“A glucometer now costs around N30,000, up from N6,000, and the test strips used with them have also become significantly more expensive,” Enyia said.

Enyia further highlighted the compounding costs associated with diabetes management.

“I consume three bottles of insulin per month, which alone costs me over N100,000. When you add the price of syringes, which has risen from N30-N50 to N600 each, the monthly details of the devastating impact of these price hikes become overwhelming. It’s not just insulin; there are also oral tablets that we need to take to help control blood sugar levels. Some months, I spend between N150,000 and N200,000 to manage my diabetes.”

The financial strain is forcing difficult choices, with many patients having to sacrifice basic needs or family obligations to attend to their medication.

“More than 70 per cent of my income goes towards treatment,” Enyia revealed. “I’ve had to choose between paying for my children’s school fees and buying my medication because I need to stay alive to take care of them.”

Enyia told LEADERSHIP that the dire situation has led many patients to abandon proper treatment, turning instead to unregulated alternatives.

“People are resorting to cheaper options like buying drugs from chemists or falling for misleading claims on social media about miracle cures.”

“These so-called cures may temporarily lower blood sugar, but they do not address the underlying issue of insulin production,” Enyia said.

The Nigerian government’s efforts to alleviate the burden have been insufficient, according to Enyia. “Even with the president’s executive order to remove taxes on pharmaceutical materials for local drug production, it hasn’t helped much because insulin and glucometers are imported and remain at an all-time high.”

The lack of comprehensive health insurance coverage for diabetes further exacerbates the problem, with most insurance plans not covering diabetes

Another major challenge is the lack of trained specialists.

“We don’t have enough endocrinologists in Nigeria, and general doctors often make mistakes in treating diabetic patients,” Enyia said, emphasising the need for more specialised training.

The president Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Professor Aminu Mohammed, confirmed the shortage of specialists.

“General doctors can attend to diabetic patients, but complicated cases should only be treated by endocrinologists,” he said, advising those with diabetes to adhere to strict dietary and medication rules, monitor their blood sugar regularly, and seek prompt infection treatment.

In response to the crisis, the director-general of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Professor Martins Emeje, emphasised the potential of traditional medicine as an alternative treatment for diabetes.

“We have developed a NAFDAC-approved herbal product for diabetes, and we are working on bringing more traditional medicines through the regulatory process for wider use,” he said.

NAFDAC is the acronym for the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control, the country’s drug regulator.

Emeje, however, also pointed out a broader systemic issue: Nigeria’s reliance on imported drugs.

“The reason we are all complaining about the high cost of medication is that we are not producing them ourselves. If we could develop and export our medicines, it would alleviate some of the pressure,” he said.

The economic burden of diabetes is immense, affecting not only individuals but also the nation’s productivity.

The Diabetes Association of Nigeria notes that the out-of-pocket expenses for diabetes care are exorbitant, and the indirect costs, such as loss of productivity due to illness, further put heavy strain on families and the economy.

To address these issues, the National Action on Sugar Reduction Coalition (NASR) has called on the government to increase taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and use the revenue to subsidise diabetes care.

“Nigeria is the fourth highest consumer of soft drinks globally, which contributes significantly to the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes,” the coalition stated.

The coalition noted that diabetes costs Nigeria $4.5 billion annually, adding that a diabetic patient spends at least N300,000 annually on treatment.

“As of 2019, Nigeria was ranked seventh-highest per capita consumption of carbonated soft drinks globally with 498-ounce servings consumed annually.

“38.7 million litres of soft drinks are sold yearly, contributing to the prevalence of NCDs-related diseases. $4.5 billion is spent yearly by Nigerians on the treatment of diabetes,” the coalition added.

It advocated free diabetes screenings in public facilities and removing of tariffs on diabetes treatment goods.

Acknowledging the severe threat posed by non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, to public health in Nigeria, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said, “NCDs account for 27% of all annual deaths in the country, many of which are premature. We must take urgent action to address this.”

The ministry has developed comprehensive policy documents to guide the nation towards better health outcomes, but implementation remains challenging.

As the crisis deepens, the diabetic community in Nigeria is calling for immediate government intervention to make life-saving medications more affordable and accessible. Without such action, the heavy toll on both lives and the economy will continue to rise.

Health

Osun Govt Trains Nurses, Midwives and Community Health Workers

by emmanuel on 2 months ago

Osun Govt Trains Nurses, Midwives and Community Health Workers

ope BELLO

Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) organized training/workshop for the Nurses, Midwives, Community Health Officers and Community Health Extension Workers across the State on Essential Newborn Care Course.

The Seven day workshop, which was segmented into two sections, was flagged off by the Executive Secretary, Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board Dr. Oluwole Fabiyi, at Galaxy Hotel, Conference Room along Osogbo West bypass, Ring road, Osogbo.

In his welcome address, Dr. Fabiyi stated that training of Health Workers is part of measures put in place by the state government to promote quality and accessible health care among the residents.

The workshop drew participants among Nurses, Midwives, Community Health Officers and Community Health Extension Workers in the Primary Health Care facilities in the State.
The objective of the training is to provide effective platform for updating of knowledge and improve skills of health workers on care of the newborn, also to ensure conformity with National/Global standards and best practices on newborn health in order to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality rates.

Dr. Fabiyi appreciates Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke, Federal Ministry of Health and UNICEF for their support on the training and advised participants to utilize the knowledge acquired during the training at their various health facilities.

The supporting partner (UNICEF) admonished the participants to replicate the knowledge acquired in the workshop to other health care workers in their respective healthcare facilities and also urged them to apply the insights and techniques they have learned to improve quality of care rendered to newborn.
Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, a consultant paediatrician/neonatologists, Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) Ile-ife who is also the course director for the state encouraged participants to put in their best always and ensure newborns are given the best of the care to live. She stated further that efforts of the health workers play a crucial role in shaping the health and future of our communities. Professor Adejuyigbe later donated Artificial Resurcitators to the participants for use in their primary health care facilities in the State.

The Programme Coordinator, Dr Oluyemi Ogundun, the Director of Medical Services and Disease Control, Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board urged the participants to work assiduously in their various Primary Health Care facilities to complement government’s support in the Health Sector.
“Your active participation and dedication have been truly inspiring. The knowledge and skills you gained here are invaluable, and they will undoubtedly translate into better care and outcomes for our mothers and newborns across the state,” Ogundun said.
The focal person, Mrs Esther Olayinka appreciated the state government and the supporting partner for the opportunity to build the capacity of the participants and pray that all other health workers in the state will have the same opportunity.
Among the facilitators are Professor Segun Adebami, Dr Temitope Ayeni, Dr Ezra Olatunde Ogundare, Dr Tolu Ogundele, and Dr Adepoju.

News Health

Osun Govt, FG Collaborate on Improved Healthcare services in Osun Primary Healthcare Centres

by emmanuel on 3 months ago

Osun Govt, FG Collaborate on Improved Healthcare services in Osun Primary Healthcare Centres

…Train midwives, adhoc staff on new best practices for service delivery

The Osun State Government, under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke and the federal government, has collaborated on ways to fashion out improved healthcare services for the people of the state.

This collaborative efforts came into action with the Osun Primary Healthcare Board (OSPHCB) in conjunction with the National Primary Healthcare Centres Development Agency (NPHCDA) conducting a week-long training for Midwives, nurses and other medical adhoc staff manning the different primary healthcare centres in Osun State.

The closing ceremony of the training which was held at the ‘Nurses House’ Osogbo, had the Commissioner for Health, Barr Jola Akintola, Special Adviser on Primary Health to the Governor, Dr Michael Oyerinde, Chairman Primary Healthcare Board, Alhaji Tajudeen Adisa, the Executive Secretary, Osun Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Oluwole Fabiyi, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr Isiaka Adekunle, the state coordinator of NPHCDA, Mrs Tope Shadare, the Programme Coordinator, Basic Healthcare Provision Board, Dr Bimbo Akintayo, representative of WHO among other health stakeholders in attendance.

After the week-long training, a communique was issued to ensure effective, efficient and quality obstetrics newborn care services in Osun State, which covers areas of Antenatal, labour and delivery, emergency and referral, post-natal among other significant matters that were addressed in the communique that was received the Commissioner for Health onbehalf of the state government.

While addressing the trainees at the closing ceremony, the Programme Coordinator, Basic Healthcare Provision Board, Dr Bimbo Akintayo said, universal health coverage entails the provision of quality healthcare services to all individuals and made affordable and accessible to everybody. He said this inform the reason why the state primary healthcare board collaborated with the national body for the training of different medical staff in the primary healthcare centres of the state on, Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (BEMONC).

Also addressing the excited trainees at the closing ceremony, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Health, Dr Michael Oyerinde said, “As we come to the close of this impactful training program on basic obstetrics and new-born care, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone of you and particularly to our amiable Governor, Asiwaju Ademola Adeleke for giving the enabling environment for us to thrive and carry out our responsibilities diligently.

“As you return to your respective healthcare centres, I encourage you to apply the insights and techniques you have learned to enhance the quality of care you provide. Remember, your efforts play a crucial role in shaping the health and future of our communities,” the Special Adviser to the Governor disclosed in his address.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Health in the state, Barr Jola Akintola, commended the medical officers for their diligence at work and attention to details during the course of the training.

He eulogized the Governor for making quality healthcare service a priority of his administration.

“We thank our amiable Governor for his giant strides across the state, especially in the health sector. The ongoing rehabilitation, renovation and upgrading of all our primary healthcare centres in the state is a testament to how much the Governor is interested in the provision of healthcare service and well-being of the people of the state.

“Aside from infrastructural upgrade, you’ll all agree every of the medical officers now has it better in terms of your welfarism compared to what do happen in the past. Most arrears and medical renumeration are now being sorted with the urgency it deserves, and this tells more on why we’re grateful to the Governor for seeing to the welfare of everyone under his administration.”

The Chairman Primary Healthcare Board, Alhaji Tajudeen Adisa affirmed that the best is yet to come for all medical officers in the primary healthcare sector of the state as more developmental programmes are currently in plans to improve on the current milestone achieved by the board.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Oluwole Fabiyi appreciate the National Primary Healthcare Centres Development Agency (NPHCDA) for the seamless interrelationships between the state board and national agency for the improvement of healthcare service in the state.

He commended the facilitators who tutored the medical staff on the best practice for service delivery according to W.H.O. required standard in the primary healthcare sector.

He assured the agency will continue to adopt the best approach to complement the effort of Governor Ademola Adeleke in ensuring quality basic healthcare services for all and sundry.

Among other highlights of the event is the presentation of awards for selected training participants who had outstanding performance during the course of the one week training and certificate of participation to all and sundry.

Health

Governor Adeleke Receives Rousing Welcome in Iwo, Commission Projects, Inspect Ongoing Road Construction

by emmanuel on 3 months ago

It was a moment of joy and celebration Iwo on Saturday, as residents of the community trooped out to receive Governor Ademola Adeleke for the official commissioning of a maternity centre in Gidigbo ward for the use of people, 20 years after it has witnessed such.

The maternity centre, which was a project supported by the Osun State Community and Social Development Agency (OSUN CSDA), is billed to serve 41 compounds who lives in the community, with 8 other centres of such project nearing completion in Iwo.

While speaking at the commissioning exercise, the Governor noted that Osun CSDA under the present State Government has supported Iwo community in the implementation of 31 Micro projects in the town.

He also assured the people of Iwo that the rehabilitation of Iwo-Osogbo Road will soon be completed, adding that Iwo water works is also billed for rehabilitation.

He said, “In Iwo township and through Osun CSDA, the present State Government has supported communities in the implementation of 31 Micro projects cutting across many sectors. Today, we are commissioning just four of them, which are two health centres and two borehole water projects.

“As health is wealth, this present administration is embarking on systematic interventions, taking practical steps in providing social facilities that will make life more meaningful to the masses.

“Let me use this medium to reiterate that very soon, the rehabilitation of Iwo-Osogbo Road will soon be completed. Several kilometres of internal roads are being constructed here in Iwo. We are working towards ensuring solid and durable work on the road to boost the economy of the State.

“Let me also note that Iwo water works is billed for rehabilitation. We are working with the Federal Ministry of Works to complete Gbongan-Iwo-Oyo road. Much more importantly, we will continue to ensure the integrity of the Oluwo of Iwoland as the President of Iwoland Traditional Council covering the three local governments making up Iwoland.

I charge the beneficiaries of this project to ensure regular and adequate maintenance and sustainability of the projects. I must especially appreciate the good work that Osun CSDA is doing in ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the nooks and crannies of the State. I assure the Agency of continuous support of the State Government.

“Before I end my address, I want to remind all and sundry that Cholera outbreak is still in the Country, therefore let us ensure that we maintain personal and environmental hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soaps and water, and wash thoroughly your fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking to put cholera away.

“Go quickly to the available hospital or health centre whenever you feel any discomfort in your body. “A ko ni se aisan o.”

Health News

Osun Health Insurance Agency Making Progress Under Governor Adeleke – Management

by emmanuel on 4 months ago

The management of Osun Health Insurance Agency has stated that the agency has made tremendous progress under the leadership of the Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr Rasaq Akindele while addressing a press conference at the agency’s headquarters in Osogbo, the Osun state capital also described the claims by the All Progressives Congress that the agency received 4bn grant from the federal government as a blatant lie.

Dr Akindele also revealed that the withdrawal of Onward Specialist Hospital from OHIS is an internal issue of the hospital.

He maintained that Onward Hospital’s management had earlier written to the agency citing inflation in the country and internal restructuring as the reasons for its withdrawal adding that the agency is not defaulting in capitation to any service providers asking the general public to treat any information of such as fake news.

Akindele thereafter directed OHIS enrollees who had chosen Onward Hospital as its Service Provider to approach the agency and switch to other service providers.

The statement reads, “Within six (6) months of my administration, more than 13,000 non-civil servants have registered meaning many more people are beginning to appreciate the impact of government activities through OHIS.

“I was also surprised at the N4bn grants quoted on this publication. Whoever the author is should publicly substantiate it. Let it be known that the fund from the Federal government is meant for logistics of maintaining the Primary Health Centre.

“Osun State receive second to the last amount in the state s funding and despite this, Osun has one of the best Primary Health care system in the country. The state government has committed a lot of resource in rehabilitating and upgrading the Primary Health Centres in the state. 50 of such have just been completed.”

Clarifying the issue on Onward Hospital’s withdrawal, Dr Akindele said “Onward Hospital, Osogbo, had on June 10, 2024, written to Osun Health Insurance Agency(OSHIA) indicating its withdrawal from OHIS citing inflation in the country and internal restructuring as the reasons. The hospital added that it would be willing to continue when the economy is more stable and the hospital fully restructured.

“OSHIA responded on June 19, 2024, accepting the withdrawal of services from Onward Specialist Hospital to take effect from July 1st , 2024, though, it’s violation of OHIS Operational Guidelines, which expressly states that either party must give three months’ written notice before terminating the agreement.

“Based on this, OSHIA management directed Onward Hospital to attend to all OHIS enrollees until the end of June 2024, in view of the month’s capitation that has been paid in advance.

“We wish to put on record that, Osun Health Insurance Agency has not defaulted in any monthly capitation payments(which is usually in advance) to Onward Hospital or any other service provider across the state.

“OSHIA pays the highest capitation and has the highest tariff in the whole of the South Western states.

“The support from the State Government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke is unprecedented. The support given since the inception of this government exceeds that received since the creation of the agency.

“OSHIA activities from the support and directives of Mr. Governor have been sources of emulation for many states in the country. The recent enrollment of all pensioners in the state and the adequate and prompt treatments of all enrollees are verifiable testimonies.

“There have been special consideration of catastrophic medical conditions by the people’s governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke. Supports have been given to atleast six(6) patients with renal failures(needing kidney transplants) and some serious orthopaedic conditions.

“The agency has never defaulted in its contractual obligations and responsibilities to providers, including the payment of capitation and fee for service.

“Since the inception of this administration, the agency has added new services and reviewed upwards its charges for professional tariffs.

“The health insurance ecosystem and its operations are guided by tariffs and charges contained in the Service Level Agreement mutually agreed upon and signed by the agency and the providers. Therefore, private hospital charges do not apply to our enrollees and cannot be a basis for comparison as erroneously referenced.

“For this reason, we wish to inform the general public, especially OHIS enrollees, that Onward Hospital will no longer be an OHIS service provider effective July 1, 2024. All enrollees are advised to switch to other service providers. For further clarification, enrollees can visit our office, speak with our Business Officers, or call our Customer Service Number at 07000-2255-6447.

“In carrying out all these activities with the approval and directive of Mr. Governor, there has never been consideration of POLITICAL PARTY, Race, Creed, Religion, or Gender.

“It is most malicious, irresponsible, and condemmable for any person or group of persons to use the innocent withdrawal of ONWARD HOSPITAL from OHIS due to the economic situation of the country and internal restructuring of the hospital to mislead the public.

“It is also pertinent to inform the public that not less than twenty(20) private hospitals that were not with us initially have indicated interest to join OHIS because of the providers friendly, enrollees friendly activities of the scheme.”

News Health

Why Is APC So Desirous Of Cholera In Osun, Dr. Akindele Queries

by emmanuel on 4 months ago

Why Is APC So Desirous Of Cholera In Osun, Dr. Akindele Queries

▪︎▪︎▪︎ We are taking proactive actions to contain epidemic

OSOGBO– 24/06/2024– Osunstate.gov.ng

The Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Public Health, Dr Adekunle Akindele has wondered on why the All Progressives Congress (APC) is hellbent on the spread of Cholera in the state given the reckless politicization of the disease, saying it is wrong for the main opposition to reduce the lives of citizens to its despicable politics.

Dr. Akindele noted that Cholera epidemic is a national health problem which requires the support of all to contain, describing the antics of the Osun APC as inhumane and a clear indication of its evil mindset against the people of the state.

“The pronounced expectations of the APC for the Cholera outbreak in Osun state is the worst kind of politics that anyone will ever expect. It goes to show how desperate the APC has become in its unreasonably quest for power in the state,” he noted.

Dr. Akindele enjoined the APC to take a cue from the PDP responsible and solidarity disposition at the height of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic under Gboyega Oyetola as Governor, cautioning that political considerations should never come above human lives in any situation as the APC is currently doing.

“While COVID-19 ravages the world, the PDP as an opposition in Osun at the time showed humanity and did not play the irresponsible politics that the APC is playing with the ongoing Cholera outbreak” Dr. Akindele recalled.

“That was the reasonable thing to do, because disease outbreak, whether COVID-19, Ebola or the current Cholera in Nigeria, doesn’t distinguish between PDP or the APC. More so, any outbreak will affect Osun people, who should be the priority of any political party of whatever name or color. Unfortunately, power appears to weigh more significance to the APC than the lives of Osun people who will be the eventual victims of a Cholera outbreak in the state, hence, the relentless wish for it to happen here.

“Even when empirical laboratory examination showed no confirmed case of Cholera in Osun state, the APC moves from one media houses to the other to instigate otherwise, pronouncing, although without any scientific basis, that the case is underreported in a clear anticipation for possible outbreak and spread of the epidemic in the state.

“It is important I note that the Government have no reason whatsoever to underreport the occurrence of a globally feared epidemic like Cholera or any disease for that matter. As against the desperation of the APC, I must include that the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other health based organisations are in Osun at the moment and monitoring developments, which will make it almost impossible to manipulate the record.”

Dr. Akindele maintained that the Osun State Government under Governor Ademola Adeleke has put in place proactive measures to contain the spread of Cholera in the state, vowing not to allow the evil intentions of the APC on the good people of the state to materialise.

“Whether APC or PDP or APGA or non-partisan, the Adeleke administration places much premium on the lives of every resident and this is why it is doing everything to protect them against Cholera as evident in series of proactive measures, which the APC may be finding so hard to welcome given its bad intentions,” Dr. Akindele added.

“Therefore, I urge the people of Osun to adhere strictly to preventive measures announced by the State Government through various media platforms and upon suspecting any symptoms, affected individuals should immediately contact the nearest health facility for medical examination and in the event of any positive diagnosis, such individuals are assured of adequate medical care.”

Signed:
Dr. Adekunle Akindele,
The Special Adviser, Public Health, to the Osun State Governor

Health News

Cholera outbreak in Nigeria: Osun govt warns residents against dirty environment

by emmanuel on 4 months ago

Cholera outbreak in Nigeria: Osun govt warns residents against dirty environment

As part of measures to forestall cholera outbreak in Osun, the State government through the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation is putting everything in place so as not to record any incidence in the state, warns residents against dirty environment.

The Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mayowa Adejoorin led other government officials of the ministry to visit Afonta, rasco area, in Osogbo where we have some Fulanis and Hausas who reside there.

The Commissioner who registered his displeasure with the way residents littered the environment with refuse, noting that if this should continue, they will see the other side of the government.

He, however, charged the residents to take responsibility by making sure they clean their environment always and they should also desist from dumping refuse indiscriminately, adding that anyone caught doing such will be dealt with according to the provisions of the law.

Leading the Environmental Marshals of the ministry to clean the environment, the Director of Environmental Health and Sanitation, Wale Akala said it is important that citizens to play their roles in making sure they clean their environment always.

Speaking with the Hausa community, Mr Akala noted that where they live is very dirty and that was the reason the ministry has to come and do the sanitation as he urged them to keep the environment neat at all times.

“To be honest with you, your environment is very dirty and I am not happy about it. People living here are prone to different types of sicknesses and this may be inimical to our existence in the state.

“The Governor we have loves people to be neat. Please, what we have done here today, keep it up, tell your people to always keep their environment neat. I will be coming here time to time to check the environment.

The director also sounds note of warning to those who are found dumping refuse indiscriminately to desist, he opined “Let me say it loud and clear, for those of us who are in habit of dumping refuse anywhere, it’s forbidden, we have PSP operators who come to our streets to pick this refuse, let’s patronise them for our own sake. Anywone caught in this act will be dealt with.

“Today is Sunday, when those who are Christians should be in their various churches, here we are cleaning the environment just to make sure we have healthy environment.

“Already, we have cholera outbreak in Lagos, Ondo, Kwara and many other states and we don’t want such in Osun hence why we are all out this morning to make sure we visit and clean dirty areas in Osogbo and its environs.

Residents of the environment were so happy over the gesture as they trooped out in their numbers to pray for Governor Adeleke and promised their unalloyed support for his administration.

Health News

BREAKING: No Confirmed Case Of Cholera In Osun – Dr. Akindele

by emmanuel on 4 months ago

No Confirmed Case Of Cholera In Osun – Dr. Akindele

…Highlights Response And Prevention Measures By Government

OSOGBO— 23/06/2024— Osunstate.gov.ng

The Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Health Matters, Dr. Adekunle Akindele has said the state is yet to record any confirmed case of cholera, describing the report of 11 confirmed cases of Cholera in Osun state as inaccurate.

Dr. Akindele clarified that contrary to the claim in the report, Osun recorded 13 suspected cases of cholera but all turned out negative upon a laboratory assessment, assuring the people of the state of adequate preventive measures by the government to prevent the occurrence, and respond to the outbreak whenever a case is recorded.

“Osun State Government through the Ministry of Health, has proactively reactivated and established the Public Health Rapid Response Team (PHRRT) and Cholera Technical Working Group (CTWG) respectively, to ensure adequate surveillance and risk communication activities in order to guarantee the health of the citizens,” he disclosed, adding that “Though, Osun is yet to record any confirmed case of Cholera, adequate preventive measures have been put in place to prevent the occurrence, and respond to the outbreak in case we eventually record a case.”

Speaking further, Dr. Akindele noted that the State Government is exploring the media to sensitize the public on preventive measures against cholera while surveillance mechanisms across the 30 local government areas and border towns has been heightened to fight the spread of the disease.

“Thirteen (13) sample(s) collected so far. All 13 samples sent to laboratory, of which 13(100%) were negative, 0 positive and no pending result,” he pointed out, adding that “Cholera RDT kits and Transport media has been strategically distributed to some Health Facilities across the 30 LGAs.”

He said the Ministry of Health will continue to intensify public awareness on the prevention of cholera and what to do when symptoms develops, calling on the media not to pander to sensationalism at a time like this but rather focus on the dissemination of information that will save lives.

Signed:
Dr. Adekunle Akindele,
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters