Dr. Wole Kukoyi is the Chief Medical Director, Ace Medical Clinic, Sango- Ota, Ogun State. He recently emerged pioneer District Governor (DG) of Rotary International District 9111 Nigeria for 2024/2025. In this interview with SUNDAY AIKULOLA, he spoke on his plans and projects as the new DG. He addressed other contemporary issues, among which is the need for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise Health Insurance for Nigerians:
As a medical practitioner, what is your advice to President Bola Tinubu on how Nigerians can benefit from the Health Insurance policy?
The essence of health insurance is to attain Universal Health Coverage for Nigerians. The best way is to ensure everybody is insured, but the reality is that we are still far from that. We have less than per cent of the population under insured health care, as against larger percentage in other countries.
This programme has been on since 1999, and to get less than 10 per cent does not give us a good reputation. I believe all efforts must be made to ensure everybody comes under the net of health insurance. Otherwise, people will have to pay out of pocket. The best thing is to increase the capacity of the federal, state or organised private sectors in order to ensure many people come under the net of health insurance.
There is cholera outbreak in Lagos, can you advice the government on what to do to contain the disease?
I think Lagos State government is going the right way, that is public enlightenment. The second thing is for the government to tell the masses mode of transmission and how to prevent it, by frequent washing of hand and proper disposal of wastes.
Briefly explain to us what Rotary stands for, why Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) means and the Rotary Foundation.
Rotary International is an international service organisation that brought together business and professional leaders. Rotary provides humanitarian services to all. Rotary upholds high ethical standard in all vocations, and advances goodwill and peace around the world.
It is a non -political and non-sectarian organisation open to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference
Every Rotarian Every Year simply means we advise every member to contribute $100 to Rotary Foundation to doing good all over the world. Though it is not compulsory. The money is used to fund Global Grant Projects.
Our seven areas of focus are: Water, sanitation and hygiene, such as provision of treated water plant for the less- privileged; promoting peace. Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures.
In fighting disease, we provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; Saving mothers and children to reduce drastically maternal mortality. We support education, providing stationeries, school bags for pupils and construction of classrooms and toilets.
Our DEWEF gives scholarships to indigent and brilliant students; Grow local economies through skills acquisition and employment of artisans. Protect the environment through tree plantings, among others.
When did you join Rotary and share with us your Rotary experience and the journey so far?
I joined Rotary 40 years ago. It’s been a journey of increasing my capacity as a leader. This has reflected on my personal business. Rotary has also helped me to do things for the community. It has advanced my knowledge of international affairs. I have attended Rotary international conventions. I thank Rotary for the opportunities I’ve had throughout the period of 40 years.
You are the pioneer District Governor of Rotary International District 9111. Tell us your plans for 2024-2025 Rotary Year?
Rotary District 9110, due to need for expansion, birthed both District 9111 and District 9112. As the pioneer District Governor of District 9111, we have quite a number of plans and projects.
Secondly, we want to develop ourselves so that we can deliver more to the community. We have been conducting trainings for all categories of officers. That is Presidents, Governors and Chairmen of Committees. We are ready. We are calling our year Magic of Rotary Year. Our star project is the building of Centre for treatment of Sickle Cell disease. We want to lessen the burdens on families and caregivers by providing this unique facility. We are collaborating with both Lagos and Ogun State governments.
For example, in Ogun State, the state government has donated a parcel of land, where the building of Sickle Cell Centre will be erected. Very soon, we shall be conducting the foundation-laying ceremony. The facility should be ready before end of the year. In previous years, we have done beautiful projects such as building of Prostate Cancer Centre located at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.
In Lagos, the Indorama – Rotary Eye Centre at 7 & 8 Bus Stop, Airport Road, offers free cataract and eye surgery and treatment of eye patients.
How do you think government can learn from Rotary’s Four way test?
You can liken the four way tests to the 10 commandments of the Bible. If you follow the things in the four way tests, you’ll have a perfect society. We know nothing can be perfect, but you will get near perfect situation and it will be beneficial to all Nigerians.
Can you provide your bio?
I’m the Founder of Ace Medicare Clinics. The hospital was officially registered by the Ogun State Ministry of Health as a private hospital on February 21, 1989 at its facility located at Idi-Iroko Road, Ota. The vision of the hospital is to make quality health care, including specialised services, easily available and affordable to the generality of the citizenry.
The services rendered at the initial phase included outpatient and inpatient facilities, surgery, maternity services, infant welfare clinic. With the movement of the hospital to its present location at Kilometre 4, Idi-Iroko Road, more services, including x-ray, ultrasound scanning and ECG were added.
The post President Tinubu must prioritise health insurance for all Nigerians — Kukoyi appeared first on Guardian Nigeria News.
Powered by WPeMatico
