THE Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu has said his administration would ensure that all corps members enjoy high quality medical care throughout their service year.
He averred that corps members are exposed to a series of risks and health hazards in the course of national service, hence, the need to provide a robust health package that would cater for them whenever the need arises.
Nafiu spoke during his familiarisation visit to the director general and chief executive officer of the National Health Insurance Authority( NHIA), Dr Kelechi Ohiri, in his office in Abuja.
General Nafiu, while describing health insurance as one of the critical components of NYSC activities, said the National Health Insurance Authority is a critical stakeholder in the Scheme’s programmes as it relates to Corps Members.
During his visit, he harped on the need for a strengthened collaboration between NYSC and NHIA in order to enable the corps members to serve their fatherland better.
“Corps’ welfare and health are paramount to us in NYSC. We want to improve our existing relationship for the benefit of our Corps Members. I have come to familiarise myself with the leadership of NHIA and fine-tune the MoU between NYSC and NHIA,” he said.
Brigadier General Nafiu also thanked the NHIA DG for supporting the NYSC while he promised a stronger collaboration between both agencies.
In his response, the DG/Chief Executive Officer of NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri congratulated General Nafiu on his appointment as the NYSC Director General and also his passionate commitment to Corps Welfare.
He said the agency is ready for any partnership that is of high value with seamless services.
The NHIA DG added that the existing collaboration with the NYSC, which requires the deployment of human and capital resources has been of tremendous benefit to the Corps Members.
He stated further that the NHIA in its on-going reforms is reviewing its guidelines and also accrediting the quality of healthcare providers through its compliance and enforcement team across the country.
Dr Ohiri also noted that the observed challenges would be reviewed to enable enrollees including the Corps Members to enjoy maximum healthcare.
“We will ensure that our Corps Members do not lack access to the needed healthcare. Our joint committee will look at the challenges we have and look at the critical areas and how to improve on them”, he added.
Meanwhile, the Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu has urged the NYSC Guidance and Counselling Schedule Officers to be prepared to surmount the challenges associated with their official responsibilities.
He said the increasing rate of drug abuse, suicidal attempts, depression and other social ills among the youths are clear indicators that there is urgent need to salvage the society, especially youths from the consequences of this menace.
Nafiu spoke in Abuja while interacting with the NYSC Guidance and Counselling Schedule Officers during their maiden workshop, with the theme; “Dealing with Contemporary Challenges in Corps Administration: Corps Guidance and Counseling A Necessary Tool”.
He stated further that proper monitoring is expected from them to upscale their effectiveness in monitoring the Corps Members who might be passing through depression for different reasons.
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“I have come to charge you that it is not going to be an easy task. We need to look into the cases of the young ones coming into the Scheme. The suicide rate is increasing in the larger society”, he said.
The DG also disclosed that the Scheme would keep retraining its officers to be more proficient in their official responsibilities.
The Director, Corps Welfare and Health Services, Mr Ayodele Omotade appreciated General Nafiu for finding time to address the workshop participants who were drawn from the 36 NYSC State Secretariats, including FCT, Area Offices and the National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
