Osun Assembly Promises To Support Health Sector

By Israel Afolabi

The State of Osun House of Assembly has said it would embrace policies and programmes that will enhance the wellbeing of the people particularly in the health sector.

Dr Najeem Salaam, the speaker of the state  Assembly stated this on Thursday while addressing officials of the state health insurance scheme who came to intimate the legislature on the need for legislation that will back up the operation of the scheme at the Assembly complex Osogbo.

He noted that the House of Assembly would always strive for what is good to be in the interest of the state to develop.

He also explained that the bill concerning the scheme will be carefully scrutinized with a view to passing it into law.

According to him, nothing can work if concerned individuals refuse to do what is expected of them”.

The speaker in his remarks urged appropriate departments of government to be more resourceful in their activities.

Dr Salaam also advised that they should ensure that the system works perfectly.

In separate reactions to the submission by officials, the lawmakers raised number of issues with respect to explanation on the benefits of the scheme, as well as the functions of the proposed Osun Health Insurance Agency that will be in charge of the scheme.

Other areas of focus in their contributions include the source of funding and the merits as they were all unanimous that the scheme, if carefully manage, will be of benefits to the people of the state.

Earlier, the official of Osun Health Insurance Scheme led by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Niyi Oginni; USAID consultant, Mrs. Abiola Giwa among others took turns to explain the benefits of the scheme.

The officials who stressed the importance of legislation on the operation of the scheme urged the House of Assembly to look into the bill with a view to accelerating its passage.

According to them, “we urged the lawmakers to work specially on this bill that will help the poor people   have access to quality health service across the state.”