In a bold step to ensure the well-being of members, the Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in collaboration with Leadway Health Limited, has officially launched the Health Insurance Scheme for the petroleum tankers drivers on the wheels.
The ceremony, which was well attended by leaders of the union at both national and state levels in Lagos, saw petroleum tanker drivers in a joyous mood, commending the leadership for the noble initiative.
Speaking during the ceremony, NUPENG’s President, Comrade (Prince) Williams Akporeha, explained that the initiative has become imperative in order
to address the critical need by introducing the Health Insurance Scheme for petroleum tanker drivers.
The comprehensive health insurance coverage by Leadway Health Limited (HMO), he said would ensure that petroleum tanker drivers have access to quality healthcare services, preventative care and emergency medical attention.
Through the scheme, Akporeha said the union aimed to alleviate financial burdens, provide peace of mind, and guarantee timely medical interventions for the drivers when needed.
He said: “We gather here today, united by the common goal of ensuring the well-being and safety of those who tirelessly transport the lifeblood of our nation – our petroleum products. These drivers brave challenging terrains, harsh weather conditions, and long hours on the roads, insecurity to ensure the uninterrupted supply of fuel to every nook and cranny of our beloved country.
“Yet, we must acknowledge that this profession carries inherent risks and dangers. Accidents, injuries, and health-related complications are unfortunate realities that these brave individuals face every day. However, it is our moral obligation as a union to provide them with the necessary support, care, and protection they deserve.”
The president expressed deepest gratitude to the stakeholders, partners and organisations who worked tirelessly to make the scheme a reality.
The Petroleum Tanker Driver branch of NUPENG, he added has collaborated fervently to create a sustainable and inclusive health insurance program specifically tailored for tanker drivers on the wheels.
“The new initiative is a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our members – a testament to our collective belief that every individual, regardless of their occupation, deserves high-quality healthcare services. By providing them with the necessary health insurance coverage, we safeguard their physical well-being and ensure their financial security,” he said.
However, the president called on petroleum tanker drivers to embrace the opportunity to utilise the health insurance scheme to its fullest, explaining to them that their health is their most valuable asset, adding that no cost should be spared in its preservation.
“I urge you to take preventive measures seriously, undergo regular check-ups, and seek medical assistance whenever it is required. Your health and safety are of paramount importance, not only to yourselves but to our entire nation.
“As we embark on this new chapter, I believe this Health Insurance Scheme will serve as a model for other branches within our great union. It is my aspiration that the success of this initiative will encourage others to follow suit, creating a society where every member of the union is protected and cared for,” the NUPENG president said.
Representative of Leadway Health Limited, Dr. Gideon Anuba, described the initiative as “laudable and a moving scheme”, while assuring the commitment of his organisation to serve petroleum tanker drivers better.
He assured that tanker drivers are going to get comprehensive health insurance coverage from the PTD branch of NUPENG registered for.
He said the scheme is going to be administered through a network of 2,000 hospitals across the country.
NUPENG’s General Secretary, Olufemi Afolabi, said the introduction of the new initiative came at the right time to ensure that petroleum tanker drivers have access to free medicare.
According to him, the initiative would save lives, pointing out that the union pulled out a large chunk of its hard-earned money to provide free medicare to members.
National Secretary of PTD branch of NUPENG, Comrade Oluchi Chinagorem, explained that through the initiative, petroleum tanker drivers would benefit from free medical care across the country, emphasising that the leadership of the union had engagements across 2,000 hospitals nationwide.
. TheWitness