Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Tuesday, described services provided by the Bayelsa State Diagnostic Centre and Health Insurance Scheme as affordable and world-class!
Obasanjo, who spoke with reporters in Yenagoa shortly after a routine check-up at the state’s World Class Diagnostic Centre and Specialist Hospital, lauded Governor Seriake Dickson for investing in the health sector.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Francis Ottah-Agbo quoted the former president as saying that the medical personnel, cutting edge machines and services could compete with their counterparts anywhere.
Obasanjo called on people within and outside the country to avail themselves of the services, which he described as effective, yet cheap.
Some of the tests carried out on the former President include, blood test, Echo Cardiography, Abdominal Ultrasound Check and Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Emphasising the importance of health, Obasanjo urged the people to enrol in the State Health Insurance Scheme to enable them access efficient and affordable health care.
His words: “We started this (Tuesday) morning with blood and urine tests. Then I went through the full process of eye and dental check. They also looked at all my internal organs: my heart, kidneys, liver and the spleen. Thereafter, I had a semi-sleep in the MRI machine where they looked at my brain.
“ I have gone through the machines here the way I had gone through them in Atlanta, Georgia where I normally go for my medical checkup. And it may be of interest to you to know that the doctor says my health is correct. What they are doing here is extremely commendable.
“ I used to go to America twice a year, March and September for medical check up, but with what I have seen here, I’m convinced that they have the right medical personnel and machines. The only difference is that it is cheaper here than there.
“ I only paid N350,000 for all that I have gone through here today, which would not have been less than 20 to $25,000 in America. But I got it here for less than half a million. So, it’s cheap and effective and you get the result immediately.
“Why will you have to go to Sokoto from Lagos to look for what you already have in your pocket? I’ve got my result and I have paid my bills and I am going because the Doctor said I am as fit as fiddle.
Commenting on the health insurance scheme, he said, “You know, I enrolled in it the last time I visited. I pay monthly. It is good for people to know that health Insurance is very important.
“ Because when you are in need of attention, you may not have the money. But your health insurance will take care of it for you. I’ve just paid for one year in advance.
‘’So, I have two receipts with me here. One, is for my health insurance for one year, which is N14,400. While the other receipt is for all the process I’ve gone through here, amounting to N350,000. I thank Governor Dickson for investing in the health sector as well as safeguarding the health of Bayelsans”