Okpe/Effurun, Delta State — 350 vulnerable residents in Delta State, including 100 primary school pupils and 250 church workers, have been enrolled into the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Schemeunder the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative, through private sector and faith-based sponsorship.
In Okpe Local Government Area, 100 pupils of Umiaghwa Primary School, Umiaghwa, were enrolled with health insurance coverage sponsored by the Edward Ederaine Global Foundation, a non-governmental organization founded by Chief Edward Ederaine. The initiative is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for indigent school-aged children.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, said the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative was designed to bridge healthcare gaps among vulnerable residents, particularly children above five years not covered under the state’s equity plan. Represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akpofure, Director of Planning, Research, Statistics and ICT, Dr. Akpoveta noted that the Oborevwori administrationcurrently provides free health insurance for pregnant women and children under five under the Equity Plan.
Chief Edward Ederaine, represented by Mrs. Charity Onome Tuvwe, said the sponsorship was informed by the rising cost of healthcare and the proven impact of the state health insurance scheme, stressing that healthy children are critical to educational success and community development.
Meanwhile, in Effurun, 250 workers of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries (CMDM) were enrolled into the scheme through sponsorship by Chief Ebegha Winston Tarelayefa, a church deacon, on behalf of the Founder and Head Prophet, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin.
Speaking at the enrolment ceremony, Chief Tarelayefa described the initiative as a sustainable solution to reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and commended the state government for creating an inclusive framework for private participation.
Dr. Akpoveta reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting the health and finances of residents through sustained investment in the contributory health insurance scheme, while calling on other philanthropists and organizations to support the initiative.
The programmes featured on-the-spot data capture, sensitization on health insurance benefits, and the presentation of Health Insurance Ambassador awards to the sponsors.
