Osun free health programme for inmates begins as state enrolls 1,100 from Ilesa and Ile-Ife correctional centres into health insurance scheme

Osun free health programme for inmates has officially kicked off with the enrollment of 1,100 inmates from Ilesa and Ile-Ife Correctional Centres, the state government announced on Tuesday.

Also read: Niger Delta University lecturer fight with student sparks outrage online

The initiative, part of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s expanding healthcare reforms, aims to extend comprehensive medical coverage to underserved populations across Osun State.

Speaking at a media briefing in Osogbo, Dr. Razaq Akindele, Executive Secretary of the Osun State Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA), revealed that the move followed a formal appeal by the State Controller of Corrections, Rotimi Olalekan, who requested state support to improve inmates’ access to medical care.

“Given that inmates are residents of Osun and will eventually reintegrate into society, the governor approved their enrollment in OHIS to ensure they receive proper healthcare,” Akindele explained.

This enrollment adds to other free health interventions by the state government, including the recent free insurance for pensioners, which has benefited over 26,000 elderly citizens, and targeted support for people with disabilities, many of whom have received life-support equipment.

Additionally, over 450,000 public school students were screened for visual impairments, with 43,000 issued corrective glasses under the programme.

Olalekan, the corrections official, confirmed the 1,100 eligible inmates were selected from current populations, factoring in transfers and new arrivals.

He praised the initiative, stating that state-level involvement will bridge critical gaps in inmate healthcare, previously managed solely by the Federal Government.