We’ve Paid N1 Billion Debt Inherited – OSHIA

Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) has paid over N1 billion in debt inherited by the new leadership of the agency to healthcare providers.

The OSHIA Executive Secretary, Dr. Razaq Akindele, made this known on Monday during the agency’s Annual Performance Review and Strategy Retreat held in Ada, Osun State.

Akindele, who stated that the retreat was organized to evaluate their performance and project a way forward for the fiscal year, noted that the management and staff of the agency will be extremely dedicated to the course of OSHIA.

While stating that clearing the debt was his priority, Dr. Akindele revealed that he met more than N1 billion in debt, ranging from unpaid fees to healthcare service providers and 13 months of capitation owed to health centers.

Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman of the OSHIA Board, Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji, affirmed that the retreat aimed to strengthen the agency’s commitment to affordable healthcare in Osun State.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, said the retreat is an avenue for learning and to assess performance and forge ahead.

In his own words, Osun State Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina, advised civil servants and Osun residents to take their health seriously, describing health as “everything.”

He assured that the government would continue to support OSHIA, adding that it is now mandatory for all civil servants to enroll in the health insurance scheme.

“We are doing everything at the MDA level to encourage enrollment. In fact, it is compulsory for all civil servants to join the scheme,” Aina stated.