BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU/ JESSICA MOKAOGWU
THE Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, has re-affirmed that the scheme will continue to provide affordable and accessible medical coverage for Deltans, covering up to 80 percent of common illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, hypertension, diabetes, and minor surgical procedures , including pregnant women and children under five.
Akpoveta made this known when members of the Entertainers Movement in Oshimili North and South paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Asaba. He emphasized that the commission is aimed at ensuring that every individual, regardless of income level, tribe and status, can access quality healthcare services without financial hardship.
He explained that the government’s focus on social health insurance would continue to address major health challenges, including maternal delivery, childhood diseases and illnesses among the elderly and physically challenged persons.
“Social health insurance for the common person is intended to address major illnesses in society such as malaria, typhoid, malnutrition, maternal delivery, and diseases affecting children under five and the elderly who can no longer work,” Dr. Akpoveta stated.
According to him, individuals and groups are encouraged to register by submitting their names, telephone numbers and a token contribution of ₦7,000 per person. Upon registration, participants will receive a medical identity card within two months, granting them access to approved hospitals across the country. He disclosed that enlisted hospitals include reputable institutions such as the American Hospital and Asaba Specialist Hospital (ASH) and several others, adding that all facilities are thoroughly inspected to ensure compliance with medical and operational standards.
“We don’t just partner with hospitals, we assess them to ensure they meet our standards. Our goal is to guarantee that patients receive quality care from qualified personnel”, he said. “Once registered, treatment begins from the start date indicated on your card and lasts for one year. We have already begun paying hospitals, and we are ready to provide care for the poor and the sick.”
Akpoveta reiterated that the initiative will significantly reduce the financial burden of healthcare and strengthen Nigeria’s efforts toward achieving universal health coverage.
Chief Convener of the Entertainers Movement for Oshimili North and South, Frank De Don and the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Emma Onyemezien, commended the Commission for i ts commi tment to ensuring that all Deltans get access to quality healthcare.
It was stated that the purpose of their visit was to explore partnership opportunities with the Commission to enable their members to register and benefit from the health insurance scheme.
