According to a news report from New Telegraph, the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KW-HIA) has established a new regional office in Omu-Aran, situated in the Irepodun Local Government Area. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility to affordable and high-quality healthcare services for the residents.

The newly inaugurated office, located within the premises of the General Hospital Omu-Aran, marks the fourth regional office following those in Offa, Edu, and Kaiama Local Government Areas of the state.

During the commissioning ceremony held on Tuesday, Kwara's First Lady, Ambassador Mrs. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, expressed optimism that the opening of the agency's regional office would alleviate the inconvenience faced by residents who previously had to travel to Ilorin to enroll in the healthcare scheme.

“The opening of the Kwara South Senatorial District Hub of the Kwara Health Insurance Agency at the General Hospital, Omu-Aran will enhance the healthcare delivery system in the Senatorial District as our people will no longer have to travel a long distance to access cheap, effective and efficient healthcare services,” she said.

AbdulRazaq, who spoke through Mrs Esther Olufolake Oyinloye, wife of the TIC Chairman, Irepodun Local Government, enjoined the people of Omu-Aran and its environs to avail themselves the opportunity of free healthcare to enrich their health status.

She applauded the government for its pro-masses policies and programmes, including how it is taking bold steps to increase the beneficiaries of the health insurance programme.

The Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, for her part, described social health insurance as the only financing vehicle available to subsidize health services for all segments of the population regardless of their socio-economic status.

“Today, we are here and excited to officially open the 4th office in the state in the historic town of Omu Aran in Irepodun LGA.

“This office will serve residents of Irepodun, Isin, Oke Ero, and Ekiti LGAs of the state,” she said, adding that Baruten LG will also get the insurance office soon.

“These regional offices will provide the same services to the people in these catchment areas, just as we would provide from our office in Ilorin. At these regional offices, potential beneficiaries can register for health insurance, enroll, make inquiries, address complaints and concerns, and offer many more services”.

State Coordinator, National Health Insurance Authority, Hajia Idayat Bello, appreciated the Governor’s investments in the health sector and pledged continued support to the administration to ensure that no one is left behind in the drive for universal health coverage.