The Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme is receiving wider coverage as the  State Health Insurance Agency (OGSHIA) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Crawford University, Igbesa, to provide health insurance coverage for the students and staff of the institution.

Speaking at the signing of the MOA, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Afolabi Dosumu,  stated that the agreement was in consonance with the Tertiary Institution Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP), a key component in the State's effort to ensure universal health coverage.

Dosumu emphasized that the collaboration with the university was consequent upon the genuine commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun, to creating an enabling environment for the insurance agency towards improving the wellbeing of the people.

He recalled that Governor Abiodun, from the beginning of his first term, prioritised the revitalization of the health sector, adding that the governor's commitment was exemplified by allocating an unprecedented N200 million to OGSHIA.

"Governor Dapo Abiodun has provided the ideal environment for us at OGSHIA to work effectively. The agency's establishment was initiated by the previous administration; this government has been instrumental in helping us overcome various challenges. Notably, they released N200 million in funding, enabling us to meet the requirements of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and thereby securing additional funding from them.

"This is why I have great confidence in assuring that any health challenges faced by people on this campus will be covered by the agency. Our insurance pool is currently exceeding 600 million saved", he added.

The Executive Secretary revealed that while his agency is actively engaging with several other tertiary institutions to enrol for TISHIP, disclosing that Crawford University is the first private tertiary institution in the state to partner with the government under the scheme.

Dosumu while commending the university's commitment to its students’ health and well-being, he pledged that OGSHIA would leave no stone unturned in fulfilling all provisions of the MoA, stating that students would be covered for emergency health issues, including accidents that occur off-campus and outside the state.

He further promised that the university's request for the posting of "Youth Corper", who are doctors to the institution's clinic would be granted, and over time, a resident doctor would be employed for the school, funded from the insurance pool.

"I guarantee that the fortunes of the school clinic will significantly improve within six months of signing this Agreement. Importantly, by law, the funds allocated for clinic operations will be held in a dedicated health insurance account to achieve its purpose. We also encourage you to establish a board of trustees to oversee the management of that account", the Executive Secretary added.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the citadel of learning, Professor Reuben Jiya Kolo, expressed gratitude to the government for initiating the partnership, highlighting that the health and welfare of students are top priorities of the school's management.