OSUN, Nigeria – The Osun State Government begins enrolling 1,100 inmates from Ilesa and Ile-Ife Correctional Centres into its free health insurance programme.
Executive Secretary of the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OHIS), Dr Razaq Akindele, on Tuesday, says the move follows appeals from the State Controller of Corrections, Rotimi Olalekan, to address inmates’ healthcare needs.
Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier approved free health cover for pensioners, benefiting 26,000, alongside programmes for people with disabilities and 450,000 schoolchildren screened for eye defects.
“Given inmates are residents and will reintegrate into society, the governor approved their OHIS enrolment to ensure proper healthcare,” Akindele explained.
Olalekan welcomes the intervention, stressing it relieves the burden previously borne solely by the Federal Government. He confirms inmate numbers are adjusted for transfers and new arrivals.
The initiative broadens Osun’s inclusive health agenda, positioning the state as a leader in public health innovation. Analysts say it underscores growing recognition that healthcare access must extend to marginalised populations.
“This intervention reflects a commitment to dignity, equity, and reintegration,” a rights advocate said.
