Over 20,000 Osun Pensioners Enrolled in Free Health Scheme as Union Praises Govt's N25,000 Stipend

The Osun State Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Lawrence Dele Aina, has disclosed that more than 20,000 pensioners have been enrolled in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) at no cost to the beneficiaries.

Aina, who spoke with journalists in Osogbo on Thursday regarding the state of pensioners' health in the state, also lauded Governor Ademola Adeleke for providing an additional N25,000 to their monthly earnings, a gesture he said has brought relief and reduced the mortality rate among members.

The Secretary noted that the additional N25,000 has been of immense assistance to pensioners. "Before now, there were some pensioners receiving N350, N500, N750—it was difficult for our people to afford medical treatment. But when the present government gave us an additional N25,000 to what we were earning, it brought us relief," he explained.

He expressed the view that the government's assistance has also helped lower the death rate amongst pensioners in the state.

The State Secretary commended Governor Adeleke for his support and also thanked the Osun Health Insurance Scheme for improving the wellbeing of state pensioners.

According to him, "They provided us with a free borehole which has been sunk and operational since. We are grateful to the Executive Secretary of OHIS and his team because they cooperated and paid for the borehole without demanding money from the NUP."

Aina expressed gratitude to the governor, stating that pensioners are benefiting from OHIS services, although more members are yet to be enrolled. "They have been going there one by one, and the government has been accommodating them on the issue of free healthcare," he said.

He noted that whilst the scheme initially covered minor ailments, certain percentages are now being paid for surgical operations. "We are appealing to the government to help us by paying the full charges for any operation required by a person," he added.

The Secretary explained that when the programme commenced, there was a campaign involving meetings with different sections, alongside thorough public relations and advertisements on radio and television to reach people in rural areas.

"Nearly all the rural areas have their own clinics or maternity centres. Those with more serious conditions come to hospitals in town, attend the Teaching Hospital, Asubiaro Hospital, and other facilities for treatment," he stated.

On the issue of old age, Aina remarked that longevity depends on how one manages oneself when young. "You'll see some people of about 100 years who are healthier than people of 60 years. It depends on your management and the type of food you eat.

"What affected our people was the poor pension before now—N350 a month. Some people earning N250 had to wait four or five months before going to the bank. But now everybody can go to the bank to collect something and eat better food. If you look at the pensioners now, you'll see they are eating better thanks to the present government's help.

"However, we are not yet satisfied; we still need more. There are some circulars that need to be implemented by the government. We implore the governor to please implement all these circulars quickly so that our pensioners will continue to pray for him," Aina concluded.