The Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) is partnering Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare services for rural communities across the State.
The collaboration was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting held last week Friday at the OYSHIA Office in the State Secretariat, Ibadan.
Speaking at the meeting, Adeola Ekundayo, the Project Coordinator of Oyo RAAMP said the collaboration aligns with the commitment of the present administration to improving the welfare of residents, particularly those living in rural areas.
Ekundayo, an engineer, noted that the partnership complements the efforts of the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure food security, rural development, and improved access to essential social services.
She stressed that RAAMP, beyond the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads, is also committed to initiatives that will enhance the overall quality of life of rural dwellers.
According to her, improved rural road infrastructure under RAAMP will not only facilitate the movement of agricultural produce to markets but will also ease access to healthcare facilities, thereby supporting the objectives of the State health insurance scheme.
Sola Akande, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), explained that partnering with relevant stakeholders remains the most effective way to extend quality healthcare services to farmers and other rural residents.
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He described RAAMP as a strategic partner, being closer to rural dwellers, especially those within the RAAMP project corridors across the State.
Akande further disclosed that OYSHIA had designed affordable health insurance packages to cater to different categories of residents in the State.
According to him, students who are residents of Oyo State can access healthcare services in accredited health facilities at the cost of ₦3,500 per annum.
Akande added that the individual health insurance plan, which costs ₦18,259 per year, covers one person and provides access to basic healthcare services, including routine medical tests, minor surgeries, and treatment for common ailments such as malaria and fever.
For families, Akande explained that OYSHIA offers a family plan of four at the cost of ₦47,250 per annum, while a family plan of six is available for ₦60,750 per annum, all of which provide access to quality basic healthcare services.
He noted that these packages present significant opportunities for farmers, artisans, traders, and other rural dwellers to enroll in the state health insurance scheme, reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses, and improve their overall productivity and well-being.
Akande assured that OSYHIA remains committed to working closely with Oyo RAAMP to create awareness, drive enrollment, and ensure that residents in rural communities across the state have access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
