Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has unveiled a series of health initiatives in Abia State, including a formal sector health insurance scheme, a medical outreach programme, and a free hearing aid distribution.
The initiatives, launched on Thursday in Umuahia, are a collaborative effort between the Abia State Government, the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, and the Starkey Foundation.
Obasanjo commended Governor Alex Otti for prioritising healthcare and described him as an “established performing governor.”
“Health security, health for all, is what led me to establish health insurance while I was president. Nigeria is a potentially great nation. With people like you (Otti), we will achieve our potential,” he said.
The former president emphasised the importance of personal security, including access to food, health, and safety in homes and workplaces.
Speaking on hearing loss, Obasanjo said it was a common issue associated with ageing and urged authorities to train individuals capable of managing hearing aids.
“Hearing loss is not a stigma; it is either part of getting old or a defect developed over time. One can be old and still manage their health. This is what we are doing — bringing in capability and capacity on hearing loss,” he said.
He noted that his foundation focuses on youth employment, education, and health, especially in managing non-communicable diseases and hearing impairments.
Otti, in his remarks, said the initiatives would ensure that no one in Abia is denied healthcare due to financial incapacity.
“The formal sector health insurance scheme will see tens of thousands of civil servants and their dependents enrolled for round-the-clock quality health services at designated facilities across the state,” he said.
The governor added that the initiative would reduce out-of-pocket health expenses, curb self-medication, and stimulate demand for medical services in both urban and rural communities.
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