Pharmacists and Medical Laboratory Practitioners in Health Facilities under the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme, have been warned to stop the collection of illegal fees from enrollees of the scheme.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, issued the warning during an intensive training program he organised for Pharmacists and Laboratory Scientists, drawn from health facilities registered with the commission across the state.
Speaking at the commission’s headquarters in Asaba, the Delta State capital, Dr. Akpoveta pointed out that majority of the laboratory tests required by enrollees were already covered under the state’s contributory health scheme, and there was no justification for charging enrollees for tests that have already been paid for, by the commission.
He said enrollees are not expected to pay for tests such as Ultrasound test, PCV, full blood count, Urine tests, X-rays, among others, pointing out that some of the tests were covered in the capitation paid by the Commission, while any tests not covered in the capitation, carried out on any patient, were refunded to the health facility.
The DG frowned at the way Matrons turn primary health care centres into private businesses, extorting monies for drugs for patients instead of requesting drugs from the Delta State Drug Revolving Fund DRF and warned them to desist.
He reiterated that the Commission would take disciplinary action against practitioners or facilities found violating the scheme’s guidelines, emphasizing that such illegal acts placed on patients, the burden of out of pocket medical expenses which the Commission was combating.
Dr. Akpoveta urged medical professionals to cooperate with the Commission in ensuring the efforts of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in promoting the health of Deltans yielded more fruits .
Dr. Isaac Akpoveta had trained the participants on topics ranging from billing protocols, ethical medical practices, and the role of health workers in the success of the contributory health program.
Participants described the training as insightful and engaging and promised to play their role in ensuring residents of the state enjoyed unhindered access to affordable and quality healthcare services, provided by the state Government.
NIM
