BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr Isaac Akpoveta, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery in the state’s health insurance scheme.
Dr Akpoveta gave the assurance during a policy review stakeholder dialogue meeting held with management teams of government healthcare facilities, describing the meeting as more than an ordinary gathering but an avenue for stakeholders with shared interests to collectively seek better outcomes.
He explained that the dialogue became necessary following a recent clinical audit of the scheme, which revealed certain errors of omission and commission in service delivery by some healthcare providers.
According to him, these challenges have been addressed with stakeholders to ensure corrective measures are implemented for the benefit of enrollees.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to social health insurance, the DG noted that the scheme is designed to reach vulnerable groups, including the poor, the weak, the sick, the elderly, and the young.
Akpoveta cited the example of the state government’s coverage for 10,000 widows whose healthcare needs are now fully funded, ensuring they have access to timely and quality care.
On reported infractions by some facilities, Dr Akpoveta confirmed that sanctions are already being enforced. He explained that any facility found to have collected money from enrollees for services already covered under the scheme must refund such payments immediately.
“If money is discovered to have been collected in the morning, by evening it is often refunded,” he said, adding that all cases identified during the audit would be addressed and corrected.
Clarifying discussions on policy, the DG stressed that stakeholders had not requested a review but only sought clarifications on certain provisions. He noted that the Commission regularly reviews its policies and holds quarterly meetings with stakeholders to address emerging issues.
Dr Akpoveta expressed optimism that with collective responsibility and continued government support, the Delta State Contributory Health Commission will remain one of the best in Nigeria and possibly across the continent.
