The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, has affirmed the state’s dedication to universal health coverage as the state commemorates World Health Day.
The event, themed: “My Health, My Right,” brought together key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Health, SA to the Governor on Public Health, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and a delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO).
In his address during the WHO advocacy visit led by the state coordinator, Dr. Ojediran Oluwatoyin Joke to the Osun State House of Assembly to commemorate the International World Health Day, Rt. Hon. Egbedun emphasised the importance of accessible and quality healthcare, recalling the state’s recent renovation of the Osun Assembly Clinic. Despite financial constraints, the renovation was prioritized to uphold the fundamental right of assembly staff and members to good healthcare within the complex.
The speaker highlighted significant progress made by the Osun State Government in enhancing the health sector, including the renovation of 332 Primary Health Centres across the state and the enrollment of 23,000 pensioners in the Health Insurance Scheme.
He said: “These initiatives have expanded access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare services for senior citizens.”
“The Osun State House of Assembly’s recent approval and passage of the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board Law Amendment further demonstrates the state’s commitment to achieving the highest attainable level of health for all residents of Osun State and improving health outcomes.”
Rt. Hon. Egbedun called for continued collaboration and commitment to universal health coverage and the promotion of the fundamental human right to health.
He expressed appreciation for the stakeholders’ presence and ongoing support, wishing them a productive and insightful dialogue during the advocacy visit.
Earlier in her address, Dr. Ojediran Oluwatoyin Joke, commended the Osun State government’s efforts to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), acknowledging the contributions of the Osun State House of Assembly in building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
She highlighted the importance of upholding the right to health, as agreed upon by all nations in 1948 and enshrined in the WHO Constitution.
Dr. Ojediran called on the Speaker and Honorable Members of the Osun State House of Assembly to uphold the Abuja Declaration of 2001, which encourages governments to allocate at least 15% of their annual budget to improve the health sector.
Both leaders in the presence of other honourable members of the House agreed on the importance of collaborating to achieve universal health coverage and promote the fundamental human right to health.
Peoplesmind
