The Chairman of the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OHIA), Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji, expressed strong disapproval of faith-based and traditional medical practices, asserting they typically lack scientific evidence, documentation, and proper regulation.
Speaking in Osogbo, Dr. Oladimeji argued that while conventional scientific medicine is imperfect, it remains the most trustworthy system because it is open to evaluation and improvement, a transparency he says is missing in alternative practices.
He criticized “tradomedical” experts for often refusing to reveal the secrets behind their remedies and resisting scrutiny, noting that in a “civilised environment,” outlandish claims about curing multiple diseases would lead to legal action.
He concluded, without apology, that he cannot accept these treatments because they are not documented or monitored.
Dr. Oladimeji also addressed OHIA’s operations, explaining that hospitals must apply for accreditation, after which they are rigorously inspected and continually monitored, with the agency having withdrawn accreditation from facilities that failed to meet standards. He added that methods developed by OHIA have been adopted by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Finally, the OHIA Chairman acknowledged that the lack of functional equipment and chronic underfunding in public hospitals drives Nigerians to seek treatment abroad (medical tourism).
He called on both state and federal governments to provide critical funding, particularly urging the federal government to equip its teaching hospitals, admitting that he personally seeks care abroad because his family wants him to live.
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