March 12, (THEWILL) – No fewer than 42,000 pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools across Osun State have received free corrective eyeglasses as part of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s initiative to tackle vision impairment among schoolchildren.
Adeleke disclosed this in Osogbo, the state capital, during the symbolic distribution of corrective glasses, essential medications, and medical equipment to accredited government hospitals under the Osun Health Insurance Scheme.
The governor revealed that out of 345,000 pupils and students screened for eye conditions, over 42,000 with visual impairments have been provided with necessary interventions, including corrective glasses, medication, and, in severe cases, surgical procedures.
“This is just the beginning. We are starting with public schools, but we will soon extend this initiative to private schools because no child should be left behind due to preventable vision problems,” Adeleke said.
At the same event, the governor unveiled multi-million-naira worth of medical equipment acquired through the Osun Health Insurance Agency for government health facilities under OHIS. He noted that the investment was aimed at improving healthcare services for enrollees.
“Our administration is committed to revitalising the health sector. We have fully approved training allowances for resident doctors and implemented the full COMMESS and CONHESS salary structures for health workers to ensure they receive their entitlements promptly,” he stated.
Adeleke further highlighted the government’s efforts in upgrading healthcare infrastructure, revealing that 200 out of the 332 focal Primary Health Centres in the state had been modernised, with plans to renovate the remaining ones soon.
The governor also announced that over 25,000 pensioners have been enrolled in OHIS free of charge to ensure senior citizens receive quality healthcare.
Additionally, about 10,000 persons living with disabilities have been enrolled in the scheme and provided with assistive devices, including wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, and eyeglasses.
Commending stakeholders, Adeleke lauded the Osun Health Insurance Agency and the Ministry of Education for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the success of the programme.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
