Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has released N49 million to offset the medical bills of 43 residents suffering from serious health conditions.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, represented by the commissioner for health, Banji Ajaka, presented cheques to the beneficiaries on Friday in Akure.

The governor recalled that 33 residents benefited from a similar intervention in 2025, when N39 million was disbursed.

He said the assistance was a humanitarian initiative aimed at saving lives and carried no ethnic, religious, or political considerations.

According to him, the fund increased by N10 million, rising from N39 million for 33 beneficiaries in 2025 to N49 million for 43 beneficiaries in 2026.

“This is an increase of N10 million. It was N39 million to 33 beneficiaries in 2025 and N49 million to 43 beneficiaries in 2026,” he said.

Mr Aiyedatiwa explained that applicants must obtain a letter from the doctor who diagnosed their condition, along with treatment cost estimates.

“To benefit as a patient, get a letter from the doctor who diagnosed you, together with the medical estimates,” he said.

He said a Medical Inquiry Board scrutinises all applications and conducts interviews before approving support for beneficiaries.

“There is a Board of Medical Inquiry that will call everyone for an interview,” the governor stated.

Mr Aiyedatiwa stressed that approval depended on thorough verification of each applicant’s medical condition and financial needs.

“Obtaining the fund is based on verification of your condition. It is a very thorough process. You do not need to know anybody,” he said.

He urged beneficiaries to utilise the funds strictly for their medical treatment to achieve the intended objective.

The governor also encouraged residents to enrol in the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission’s insurance scheme for sustainable healthcare financing.

“That is the way to go because medical assistance is not something that will be sustainable,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Henry Ojagbonmi and Iyabode Bolajoko commended the governor for the intervention.

They said the support would ease their suffering and promised to use the funds solely for their medical treatment. 

(NAN)