BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from the financial risks associated with health emergencies.
The pledge was made during the inaugural MSME Summit organised by Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DEMSMEDA).
Speaking at the event, Director-General of the Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, represented by Dr. Okeoghene Owigho, conveyed his warm congratulations to DEMSMEDA for hosting the summit themed “Advancing Delta MSMEs: From Vision to MORE Value”.
He noted that the theme aligned strongly with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, particularly as the state continues to witness rapid technological innovation and infrastructural development that positions MSMEs for greater value creation.
Akpoveta emphasised that beyond machinery or equipment, the greatest asset of any enterprise is its people.
“People are the true engines of value, the heartbeat of enterprise and the drivers of growth,” he said, warning that a single illness or medical emergency could erase years of progress for business owners.
He highlighted significant strides in expanding health coverage across the state, noting that Delta currently boasts over 2.75 million enrollees, representing nearly half of its population, making it the best-performing state health insurance agency in the country.
Akpoveta added that the Informal Sector Plan, which offers affordable health coverage for just ₦7,000 annually, was designed specifically for MSMEs, artisans, traders and low-income earners to protect them from catastrophic health expenses.
The Director-General encouraged corporate bodies and philanthropists to support the Indigent Enrollee scheme, which enables well-meaning individuals or organisations to sponsor the healthcare premiums of vulnerable Deltans.
“A single sponsorship does more than provide healthcare, it protects livelihoods, keeps a business open and sustains a family’s hope,” he said.
Reaffirming the Commission’s readiness to partner DEMSMEDA and other stakeholders, Dr. Akpoveta stressed that protecting the health of business owners is fundamental to sustaining economic prosperity. “When we keep our MSME operators healthy, we keep Delta State prosperous,” he added.
He commended the organisers and participants of the inaugural summit for their commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem and wished all attendees a productive and impactful deliberation.
