By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KWHIA) will commence the enrollment of people with Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDs in the health insurance scheme by June 12.
Dr Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, the Executive Secretary of the Agency stated this on Wednesday in Ilorin during a meeting with stakeholders on implementation of the initiative in Kwara.
She explained that the scheme will enrol everybody living with tuberculosis and HIV/AIDs across the 16 Local Government Area of the state.
According to her, the population of the state that are being covered by Global Funds are vulnerable people who have access to the management of their disease state.
Jetawo-Winter pointed out that these vulnerable groups however, do not have access to other sources to cater for other ailments outside thier conditions.
She stated that these groups are considered vulnerable as they have low immunity and prone to having many illnesses.
“They don’t have the luxury of building immunity like so many other people due to the kind of medication that they are already taking.
“Therefore they really need health intervention for them to be able to manage their diseases in a holistic way,” she said.
The executive secretary added that people with HIV/AIDs, and tuberculosis who have malaria, infections, surgery or gets pregnant will now have the unfettered access to health care services that can support other health issues.
She noted that the health insurance cover is renewable at the end of one year when it expires, and that provision will be made for renewal.
Jetawo-Winter appealed to these vulnerable groups to access the facilities they receive thier HIV/AIDs and Tuberculosis drugs intervention and get registered for the scheme.
Also speaking, Mr Seun Ogunniyi, a member, House Committee on Health and Environment, commended the Agency’s efforts and commitment in ensuring the health of the citizenry.
He enjoin the Agency on proper orientation and implementation of the scheme across all the LGAs.
