By Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has flagged off the use of a school clinic the administration newly rehabilitated for the state School for Special Needs, saying the gesture was to bring quality healthcare services to their doorsteps.
The Governor also said the government took such a step in recognition of their limited movement as persons living with different forms of disabilities.
He said: “I am impressed by the decision of the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency to renovate the school clinic and make it eligible for provider status under the health insurance scheme. The whole essence is to enroll everyone of these children into the state health insurance scheme as indigents. In other words, they will begin to enjoy free healthcare without having to go outside of their school compound.
“This brings quality healthcare to their doorsteps in a way that fully considers their limitations as persons living with different forms of disabilities.”
Represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, AbdulRazaq said his government is especially concerned about the indigent segment of the population to assist them to have equitable access to quality, affordable, and available healthcare services.
“Our gathering here this afternoon represents an important milestone for not just this school but also for our steady efforts to cater for the needs of every segment of our society. I recall that our first budget review session in 2019 was held in this school. That was a symbolic gesture to indicate that no part of our society will be left out in our bid to improve the standard of living of the people of Kwara State.
“Since then, different steps have been taken to improve the lot of the students of this special needs school and other underserved communities. We renovated many of the classrooms, and renovation works are still going on. We provided more relevant books and learning aids. We stabilized their subvention, thereby stopping payment of fees by their parents or guardians.
“We have also introduced solar lights to improve better visibility and mobility at night, as well as guide against crimes. This is amid other upcoming initiatives to make learning more conducive for them,” he added.
He urged the students to be committed to their studies and be of good character, adding: “Your disabilities do not stop your life dreams. You can attain your full potentials. So do not give up on yourself.”
The Governor said the decision to enrol the students in the free health insurance is a form of subsidy to support their parents and guardians in their parental responsibilities.
Zonal Coordinator, National Health Insurance Authority, Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for providing the facility and for giving all his best to expand the health insurance coverage for people of the state.
He said the facility will be beneficial to not only the School for Special Needs but also its environs, adding that the Authority is bent on meeting the target of achieving universal healthcare coverage by 2030.
Dr. (Mrs.) Olubunmi Jetawo-winter, for her part, said they have commenced implementation of innovative initiatives to improve quality of health facilities, and to make the services available when needed.
She said it became necessary to rehabilitate the clinic to provide the school with healthcare services under the Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme, and to pass assessment for accreditation purposes.
The principal, who is equally a person living with disability, said his appointment as head of the school is a testament to his claim, and also lauded AbdulRazaq for the recent appointment of another two of his colleagues as permanent secretaries.
The state government recently appointed Mr Ayanwale Peter Kayode and Alhaji Abdullahi Kayode Wahab as permanent secretaries in the state civil service – a gesture already drawing applause both within and outside Kwara.
