13/08/2026
ODCHC DEEPENS HEALTH INSURANCE SENSITIZATION AMONG NULGE MEMBERS
The Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC) has intensified its health insurance sensitisation campaign among members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to deepen awareness and address concerns in its health insurance scheme.
Speaking at a 3-Day capacity building seminar organised by NULGE which took place at Owo, the Director-General ODCHC, Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin said the Commission had decided to take its message to relevant stakeholders to ensure that residents understand the benefits and processes of its health insurance schemes.
According to DG, who was represented by the Director, Business Development and Client Relations, Mrs Aderonke Ibitoye, effective sensitisation remains critical to building public trust and confidence in health insurance, particularly by providing residents with clear information on enrolment, access to healthcare services and answers to various questions and concerns from enrollees.
He said sustained engagement and responsive client relations would remain central to the Commission’s efforts to deepen participation, improve the experience of enrollees and advance the goal of achieving wider health insurance coverage and wellness across Ondo State.
The Permanent Secretary, Local Government Services Commission, Professor Bayo Ilawole, in an aside interview, commended the performance of the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS), reiterating that “a sound mind in a sound body”, has always been his philosophy of life.
Ilawole said good health was essential for workers to effectively discharge their responsibilities, noting that ORANGHIS was providing an important safety net for workers, particularly amid the current economic realities in the country.
He explained that workers’ salaries might not always be sufficient to meet their needs when unexpected medical expenses arise, stressing that the health insurance scheme was helping to bridge the gap by providing accessible and functional healthcare services to beneficiaries.
The Permanent Secretary also commended the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, for creating an enabling environment and providing the necessary resources to support the effective operation of ORANGHIS.
He said the Governor had demonstrated commitment to workers’ welfare by prioritising their health and supporting the provision of facilities, equipment, materials, funding and other resources required for effective service delivery.
Ilawole equally commended the management of ORANGHIS for its performance, describing the scheme as one that was “doing a very good job” and deserving of a high rating.
He, however, urged the Commission to pay greater attention to feedback from beneficiaries across healthcare facilities. He recommended the provision of suggestion boxes in all accredited facilities to enable beneficiaries to freely express their concerns, including anonymously.
The NULGE President, Comrade Fredrick Akinrinlola, acknowledged the significant improvements recorded by the scheme, particularly measures introduced to make access to healthcare easier and more convenient for enrollees.
He noted that local government workers enrolled in the scheme could now access healthcare services at designated facilities closer to their places of residence, making it easier for them to receive treatment whenever the need arises.
Akinrinnola also commended the Commission’s 24-hour contact centre, describing it as a major improvement in addressing complaints and resolving challenges faced by enrollees.
According to him, the availability of dedicated contact lines has made it easier for beneficiaries to report issues and receive prompt assistance.
He further appreciated the accreditation of pharmacies under the scheme, noting that enrollees could obtain prescribed drugs from accredited pharmacies at no additional cost when such drugs were unavailable at their healthcare facilities.
He described the initiative as a significant development that would further improve access to quality healthcare, while encouraging more private hospitals to express interest in becoming accredited service providers.
Akinrinnola said wider participation by private healthcare facilities would increase the number of service points available to enrollees and further improve access to healthcare across the state.
Similarly, the Chairman, Conference of NULGE Chairmen in Ondo State, Comrade Itabiyi Johnson Olusola, commended the state government for the impact of its health insurance programme, saying the scheme was easing the financial burden of healthcare on residents.
Speaking from his personal experience, Itabiyi said he recently accessed medical treatment at a hospital under the scheme. He recalled that his wife had initially been concerned that the treatment might result in a huge medical bill, but said the care was provided without any payment being demanded from them.
According to him, the experience strengthened his confidence in the programme and demonstrated that residents could access quality healthcare without being subjected to financial hardship.
He also said he had received encouraging reports about the General Hospital, Irun Akoko, where local government workers using the facility had reportedly expressed satisfaction with the quality of treatment and attention received.
Itabiyi noted that some residents who had previously been reluctant to enrol because of concerns arising from past experiences were gradually changing their perception after witnessing improvements in the treatment and services provided to beneficiaries.
He therefore encouraged residents and workers who were yet to enrol to take advantage of the health insurance programme and benefit from its growing network of healthcare services.
The highlight of the sensitisation exercise was a medical outreach conducted by the Commission’s Occupational Health department, which provided all participants with the opportunity to undergo basic medical check-ups and receive professional guidance on their health.
The exercise also provided a platform for participants to have their concerns addressed, with officials of the Commission available to attend to complaints and assist enrollees with facility changes where necessary. Referrals were also made on the spot for cases requiring urgent medical attention, while some participants were given appropriate prescriptions.
NULGE, ODCHC
