The Ondo State government says it has expanded its Ilera Loro Scheme to offer free healthcare services to sickle cell patients, marking a significant step towards improving access to medical care for this vulnerable group.
The expansion, launched on August 17, was driven by the Ignite Sickle Cell Initiative, which has been advocating for this inclusion since 2021.
On the first day of the expansion, about 138 sickle cell warriors were registered under the scheme, and as of now, 216 patients are enrolled. The initiative, in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Health and the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, played a crucial role in ensuring the sickle cell community across all 18 local government areas of the state can access comprehensive healthcare services at no cost.
At the launch event, the Director General of the Ondo State Health Insurance Scheme addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of the expansion in providing free, quality healthcare to sickle cell patients throughout the state.
This development is seen as a transformative step towards addressing the healthcare needs of sickle cell warriors and improving overall health equity in Ondo State.
The Ignite Sickle Cell Initiative, a leading advocate for sickle cell care, remains committed to pushing for further systemic improvements in how sickle cell disease is managed in Nigeria.
