Ekiti State has recorded an increase in the number of pregnant women patronising and giving birth in government health facilities across the state.
The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani disclosed this during a One-Day Dissemination Event themed: ‘From Data to Policy to Action’, at Amor Hotel, Ado-Ekiti.
Filani said the Ulerawa Health Insurance programme, domiciled in all health centres, had assisted in the reduction of child and infant mortality rates in the state.
According to him, more women now patronise government hospitals for healthcare.
He appreciated the state’s governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for approving Ulerawa Health Insurance, which has boosted the number of people accessing healthcare services.
The Commissioner explained that the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the state Ulerawa Health Insurance are health interventions that offer free healthcare services in the state.
He listed the free services offered as malaria treatment, immunisation, maternal and child health services, family planning, nutrition, HIV, and tuberculosis care.
Filani said the services are offered across the 177 primary health centres in the state, while serious cases are referred to secondary and tertiary institutions for further treatment.
Similarly, the State Head of Service, Dr Folake Olomojobi commended the state government for approving the Ulerawa Health Insurance programme for residents.
In their goodwill messages, the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Adeoye Aribasoye, Civil Society Organisations, and World Health Organisation, urged Ekiti people to use health insurance to improve their health.
NAN