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No fewer than 60 indigent residents drawn from ten rural communities in Ijebu have been enrolled in the first phase of a free health insurance scheme launched by the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation (AAAF), the philanthropic arm of SIFAX Group, in partnership with Ogun North East Local Government, to improve access to quality healthcare for the elderly and vulnerable.
The programme was held at the 400-seater community hall built by the Chairman of SIFAX Group and AAAF, Dr Taiwo Afolabi. Beneficiaries were selected from Isade, Ajowa, Idomila, Iken, Igbogila, Rasonwa, Ilefon, Ileshe, Sanyindo and Idomowo villages.
Speaking at the event, the Foundation’s Executive Coordinator, Mrs Foluke Ademokun, who represented Dr Afolabi, explained that the initiative was inspired by the underutilisation of a health facility earlier donated by the philanthropist to the Ijebu communities in Isade, largely due to residents’ inability to afford medical bills.
She said this prompted the Foundation to partner with the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency (OGSHIA) to provide free health insurance coverage for elderly and vulnerable residents, enabling them to access healthcare services without financial burden.
“This initiative is another opportunity for Dr Taiwo Afolabi, SIFAX Group and the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation to extend our social intervention efforts to rural communities. We believe the health insurance scheme will remove financial barriers and encourage beneficiaries to seek proper medical care,” Ademokun said.
The Chairman of Ogun North East Local Government, Hon Foluso Badejo, accompanied by the Local Government’s Health Supervisor, Hon Oside Olalekan, expressed appreciation for Dr Afolabi’s continued support, citing his contributions to markets, schools, football fields, ICT centres and medical facilities across the area.
Also speaking, Chief M. S. Odunuga, the village head of Isade, described the scheme as timely and impactful, while Otunba Major General Odunsin (Rtd), who oversees the Foundation’s community development projects, commended the transparent beneficiary selection process and the efficient issuance of health insurance cards by OGSHIA officials.
The free health insurance scheme is expected to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for beneficiaries and improve the utilisation of healthcare facilities in the communities, with further phases of the initiative under consideration.
