The government of Ekiti State has disclosed the commencement of free healthcare services for over 19,000 pensioners in the state who retired from the State and Local Government Public Services, under the State Insurance Scheme.
Ekiti News reports that Dr Oyebanji Filani, the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services revealed this in Ado-Ekiti at a meeting with the Pensioners at the Pensioners’ Secretariat Ado-Ekiti.
The Commissioner mentioned that the pensioners would be registered under the state Health Insurance program to facilitate their access to the government’s gesture.
Dr. Filani revealed that the State Health Insurance Scheme team would soon commence sensitization efforts to ensure all retirees are registered and receive treatment across the state.
The Commissioner added that the entry points for the program are the State Primary Health Centers.
He noted that the Biodun Oyebanji led administration had started the free health intervention programme with some groups such as pregnant women, children under age 5, children of orphanage homes, People living with disabilities amongst others.
“This one with the Pensioners was borne out of His Excellency’s passion and love for retired senior citizens “; he noted.
The State Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe in his remarks noted that the free health intervention programme was another testimony to the fact that the Governor holds the senior citizens in high esteem.
The Head of Service added that the initiative was yet another way to ensure that the shared prosperity vision of the BAO led administration gets to every citizen through the promotion of the health of everyone living in the state.
Engr Komolafe assured the pensioners of the government’s continuous support and commitment to the welfare of the members of the Association in the state.
Responding , the President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ekiti State Chapter Mr Joel Akinola appreciated the Governor for another milestone achievement by making history with this live saving programme for Pensioners in Ekiti State.
Mr Akinola said that members of the Union have not had it this good noting that the governor few days ago committed over 500million Naira to the payment of gratuities for pensioners in the state.
“The governor pays our monthly pension as and when due.This is the era of Pensioners in Ekiti State ” He said.
The NUP Chairman and his team prayed for the success of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration and pledged their members’ continuous support and prayer for the administration.