By Samuel Adegoke
More residents of Oyo State are opting for online registration for the insurance scheme being operated by the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA).
The scheme, whose basic universal coverage costs only N8,000 per annum, is fast becoming standard practice among residents, with corporate bodies, labour unions and trade groups also embracing it.
Though OYSHIA has centres in cities, towns and communities across the state, many new enrollees are now opting for online registration through the OPay app. Through the app, enrollees are able to register and make payment for the scheme from the comfort of their home.
Online registration started December 2020, as a way of widening access to people interested in the scheme and making the procedure convenient for them.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Sola Akande explained that the addition of online registration was aimed at serving people who do not have the time to visit physical centres across the state, adding that it was another step in OYSHIA’s goal of employing technology to simplify the process.
He said technological innovations are making healthcare delivery easier, stressing that intending and existing enrollees will continue to enjoy services of the agency as most convenient as possible.
Instead of walking to their offices state-wide, intending and existing enrollees are also making use of the agency’s social media accounts to make enquiries and seek clarifications.
Akande said WhatsApp and Facebook have been the two most popular channels through which people are reaching out to the agency in the last few months.
“We are happy with this development because it is an improvement in service delivery which we work tirelessly to achieve. We will continue in this line to ensure that interface between the agency and relevant stakeholders are seamless.” Akande said.
OYSHIA can be reached through the following social media handles/pages:
Facebook: oyostatehealthinsurancegancy
Twitter: @oyshia_oy
Instagram: oyostatehia
