Ondo Expands Free Healthcare for Elderly, Targets Rural Communities Statewide
The Ondo State Government has expanded its free healthcare initiative for the elderly, delivering medical services and monetary support to vulnerable senior citizens in rural communities across the state.
The programme, driven by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, targets aged residents across the 18 local government areas, particularly in underserved communities where access to medical examinations and follow-up care is limited. The most recent outreach was held in Oda Town, Akure South Local Government Area.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, reaffirmed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to ensuring that senior citizens receive essential healthcare. She noted that beneficiaries are not only diagnosed and treated on-site but are also enrolled into a free health insurance scheme to guarantee continued access to basic medical services after the outreach.
Dr. Osamaye commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for sustaining the Owo Arugbo initiative, adding that the monetary support provided will help beneficiaries purchase additional medications they may need following treatment.
She recalled that the programme commenced in Ifedore Local Government Area and has now been extended to Oda Town, with plans underway to replicate the outreach across the remaining 16 LGAs. The Commissioner also appreciated the First Lady, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, for her continuous support for the elderly, vulnerable groups, and women.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Dr. Donald Fasua—represented by his deputy, Hon. Ayodele Adebayo—praised the governor for bringing the initiative to Oda, describing it as a significant relief for elderly residents facing financial and health challenges.
The Regent of Oda Town, Oba Mopelola Omomo, expressed profound gratitude to the state government for extending the outreach to the community. She described the intervention as timely and impactful, applauding the Ministry of Women Affairs for its dedication to improving the welfare of senior citizens.
Medical activities were conducted by the Ondo State Contributory Health Insurance Commission under the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS), while Nurse Arinola Adamolukun led the nursing team responsible for dispensing drugs to beneficiaries.
