BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
The Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) on Tuesday carried out two Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI) registration exercises aimed at expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare for vulnerable residents across the state.
The exercises were held at Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area, where 250 indigent beneficiaries, mainly staff of the ministry, were enrolled, and at Umiaghwa Village in Okpe Local Government Area, where 100 pupils of Umiaghwa Primary School were registered under the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme.
Speaking at the events, the Director-General of the DSCHC, Dr Isaac Akpoveta, represented by the Director of ICT, Planning, Resource and Statistics, Mr Emmanuel Akpofure, expressed satisfaction with the growing enrolment figures, particularly through the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative. He said the programme continues to reflect the spirit of philanthropy and social responsibility among individuals and organisations, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, who are committed to supporting access to healthcare.
Dr Akpoveta disclosed that the registration of the 250 beneficiaries at Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry was sponsored by Chief Hon. Deacon Ebegha Taralayefa, while the enrolment of the 100 pupils in Umiaghwa was sponsored by the Edward Ederaine Foundation. He noted that the initiative aligns with the state government’s drive towards achieving universal health coverage.
“Our commission remains enthusiastic about increasing enrolment in line with the ‘MORE Agenda’ of His Excellency, particularly in the areas of health insurance and health financing. Our goal is to ensure that residents do not have to sell their properties or suffer financial hardship in order to access medical care,” he said, while commending both sponsors for their noble gestures and commitment to promoting affordable healthcare.
In his remarks, Deacon Taralayefa explained that the sponsorship was informed by the desire to give back to society. He described the General Overseer of Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry, Apostle Jeremiah Fufeyin, as a renowned philanthropist who has consistently demonstrated commitment to humanitarian causes. He added that partnering with the Delta State Government was a privilege, given the visible infrastructural and socio-economic achievements recorded in the state.
He further stated that the initiative also provides an opportunity for members and staff of the ministry to benefit from the state’s contributory health scheme, despite the financial implications. According to him, the General Overseer considers the collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health and its relevant agencies a great honour.
Deacon Taralayefa commended the state Governor for sustaining the programme and also praised the former governor who initiated the scheme, noting that its continuity underscores the government’s genuine concern for the wellbeing of the people.
Also speaking, a representative of the Edward Ederaine Foundation, Mrs Charity Tuvwe, said the foundation had recorded several cases of residents being unable to access medical care during emergencies. She explained that although a health centre exists in the community, it is currently non-functional, forcing residents to travel long distances to seek treatment.
Mrs Tuvwe expressed optimism that the sponsorship of 100 indigent persons under the health insurance scheme would significantly improve access to healthcare and enhance the overall wellbeing of residents in Umiaghwa community.
