The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, recently received a courtesy visit from the leadership of the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OHIA), led by Executive Secretary, Dr Rasaq Akindele and his team.
While welcoming the delegation, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of OAUTHC, Professor John Okeniyi, expressed his appreciation for the visit. He warmly received the team and gave them a listening ear, acknowledging the importance of partnership in advancing healthcare delivery.
In his remarks, Dr. Rasaq Akindele congratulated Professor Okeniyi on his appointment as CMD and commended his efforts since assuming office. Dr. Akindele also shared notable achievements under his leadership at OHIA. According to him, the agency’s operations have been significantly digitalized, a move that has improved efficiency and help saved a huge amount of money previously spent on staff salaries — without any job losses.
He noted that the OHIA board became fully functional following his engagement with the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, which has further facilitated smooth operations within the agency.
Dr. Akindele also highlighted the introduction of a free healthcare scheme for pensioners and physically challenged in the state . He stated that over 23,000 pensioners, both from the contributory and non-contributory pension schemes, are currently benefitting from the program.
In a bid to promote inclusive healthcare, OHIA has distributed assistive materials such as wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, and reading glasses to persons living with disabilities. Additionally, interpreters trained in sign language have been deployed to various government hospitals to improve communication between medical personnel and physically challenged patients.
Dr. Akindele stated that the primary aim of the courtesy visit was to seek collaboration with OAUTHC in order to enhance medical treatment and promote sustainable health insurance for the general public.
In his response, Professor Okeniyi acknowledged the importance of the proposals presented and assured the OHIA team that the hospital management would look into them and provide feedback soonest with a view to fostering collaboration.
The visit marks a potential milestone in strengthening quality healthcare delivery and insurance coverage for residents of Osun State and neighbouring states .
