Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the enrollment of inmates in correctional facilities across the state into the free health insurance scheme.
The announcement was made by the Executive Secretary of the Osun State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Razaq Akindele, during a media briefing in Osogbo on Tuesday.
Dr. Akindele explained that the approval followed a request by the Controller of Corrections, Rotimi Oluwadele, during a working visit to Governor Adeleke.
The scheme will cover all inmates, whether convicted or awaiting trial, including those on death row and life sentences.
It also extends to all healthcare services under the state’s insurance program.
“The approval of the enrolment of the inmate of the correctional Centers in Osun State stemmed from the passionate appeal by the Osun State Controller of Corrections Olalekan Rotimi Oluwadele (MNIM) during his courtesy visit to His Excellency when he arrived in Osun. Since inmates are also residents of Osun and after serving their terms will still be reintegrated back into the society, their health is the concern of Mr. Governor.
“This gesture is from a clear heart and mind and devoid of any political inclination. This also shows that Osun State government is ready to collaborate with federal (and even international) agencies for the benefit of our people regardless of any political affiliation.
“I thereby urge these inmates to reciprocate this kind gesture by obeying the rules and regulations of these centers while we hope and pray for quick service of their terms and reintegration back into the society with healthy and sound mind and body,” he added.
Governor Adeleke has previously approved similar health initiatives, including the enrollment of over 20,000 pensioners, support for persons living with disabilities, and the distribution of reading glasses to students in public schools, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare delivery.