Odunlade Adekola unveiled as health insurance ambassador in Ogun

Odunlade Adekola, the Nigerian actor, has been unveiled as Ogun state health insurance ambassador.

Tomi Coker, the state commissioner for health, said Odunlade’s appointment was part of the state’s efforts to expand the insurance scheme across the state.

Coker also said Adekola’s versatility and massive fan base will help broaden the health insurance scheme across the state.

The commissioner added that it will help as a “catalyst to propagate the movement and acceptance of the scheme across the state”.

“We will like to draw awareness to our health insurance acceptance in the communities. We looked up and down in Nigeria and inward in Ogun and our Ambassador cannot be anybody else than Mr Odunlade Adekola, because he is a son of the soil,” Coker said.

“He was born right here in Abeokuta and he’s a very familiar face on our screens and on radio. We want the public to engage in our health insurance process, hence, the choice of this multi-talented and influential brand Ambassador.”

The commissioner, who signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adekola, said Ogun has registered 50,000 indigents in 196 primary healthcare centres in the state.

Coker also said the indigents are those from the informal sector, who cannot afford out-of-pocket payments to access quality healthcare, hence, the need to raise awareness for more registration.

She said the residents who registered, were expected to pay N12,000 annually to register for the insurance scheme, so as to access healthcare at any of the primary health centres in the state.

“A couple of weeks ago, the insurance law mandated that we, as citizens of Nigeria, must have health insurance.

“This means that we will have a sustainable way of financing our healthcare and no one will have to pay out of pocket to access healthcare.

“Of the 50,000 that registered, we have been able to employ 50 doctors, 40 midwives and about to employ 64 more doctors to ensure that when you visit a health centre, you’ll meet a doctor or skill health professional to attend to you.”

Speaking on the endorsement deal, Adekola promised to publicise the health insurance scheme across the state while appreciating the state government for the opportunity.