Sickle Cell Warriors have commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji for providing free medical services for people with sickle cell disease in the state.
They made the commendation on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during the presentation of an Award of Excellence to the Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Community Communications, Mary Oso- Omotosho by a non-governmental organization, Olanipekun Ayomide (O.A) Initiative.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, President of the Sickle Cell Warriors Club, Ajimoh Opeyemi appreciated the governor for extending support to the warriors through the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme (EKHIS) noting that the free healthcare services they received from the state government has helped in no small measure during their health crisis.
Another beneficiary, Oluwafemi Gbajumo shared her testimony saying: “Before now, I used to pay N500,000 for the bills whenever I have crisis. But having this organization on board, I was able to register under the EKHIS. The last time I had the crisis, I was treated for free and I didn’t pay for anything. I want to appreciate the governor and say a very big thank you.”
On her part, Executive Director of O.A Initiative, Ayomide Olanipekun lauded the state government’s conscious efforts in providing free medical care to sickle cell patients in the state adding that the organization are at the forefront of ensuring that they receive the much-needed medical care.
Also speaking, Asiwaju Oladimeji, Advocacy Team Lead of the organization explained that the warriors have enjoyed a seamless free medical care during their health challenges including; walking easily into the health centres to get their referral codes and move to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.
Highpoint of the brief ceremony is the presentation of an Award of Excellence on the DG, Bureau of Community Communications and investiture as Matron of O.A Initiative.
The Executive Director of the organization said that the award bestowed upon the DG was in recognition and appreciation of her role in responding to their needs for sickle cell warriors in the state.
Similarly, a member, Board of Trustees and Legal Advisor to the organization, Temidayo Akeredolu, Esq showered encomiums on the DG for consistently projecting the activities of the state government to members of the public.
According to Akeredolu, “If there is anything this government is doing right is that you are in our faces and making us see what the government is doing. That is the most important thing about running a government. Silently, the projects are been done and your office is communicating to the public. The award is the little we can do to encourage you to do more.”
Receiving the award, Omotosho commended the organization for deeming it necessary to support the state government’s drive in providing free medical care to sickle cell patients adding that Governor Oyebanji is always compassionate about the welfare of the people through impactful governance.
She equally pledged her support to the demands of the organization in ensuring that there is a policy and legal framework that will protect the interest of sickle cell patients, increase the level of awareness and make the society embrace them and not stigmatize.