The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Isaac Akpoveta, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to affordable and accessible healthcare, as one thousand vulnerable persons were enrolled into the Delta State Health Insurance Scheme in Oshimili South Constituency.
Dr Akpoveta made this known during the flag-off of the health insurance enrolment, under the Sustainable Health Insurance Transformative Inclusion Initiative, SHIFT-I program of the member representing Oshimili South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu
Speaking at the event held in Asaba, the DG commended Hon. Anyafulu, for what he described as visionary and people-centred leadership, noting that the beneficiaries through the gesture, have been granted access to free healthcare services for one year at healthcare facilities of their choice.
He said the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI) of the Commission is a platform created by the Commission to enable indigent residents of the state enjoy free and quality health care at a government subsidised rate of 7,000 naira per year and called on other public office holders and well-meaning Deltans to emulate her example by adopting and enrolling vulnerable persons into the scheme.
Dr Akpoveta disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori places premium value on the health of Deltans and has invested substantial resources into the health insurance programme, which has recorded over two million enrollees so far.
He added that Delta State currently ranks number one in Nigeria in health insurance coverage, noting that the scheme is helping to spread good health and financial protection across communities, including Oshimili South.
In her remarks, Honourable Anyafulu said she enrolled the beneficiaries because of her strong belief in the power of good health, stressing that out-of-pocket medical spending has pushed many families into poverty.
She noted that with health insurance, quality healthcare would become more affordable and accessible, adding that health insurance remains the path to sustainable development in any progressive society.
Beneficiaries of the scheme expressed joy and appreciation, describing the intervention as timely and life-changing.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of health insurance cards and empowerment items to beneficiaries, as well as the conferment of a Health Insurance Ambassador Award on Honourable Anyafulu by the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, in recognition of her support and advocacy for the scheme.
NIM
