- Introduces New Hospital-Based Insurance Units
BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
The Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) is taking a bold step to transform healthcare delivery and strengthen access for enrollees under the state’s health insurance scheme by establishing Health Insurance Units (HIUs) in major hospitals across the state.
Speaking in an inter with the director-General of the Commission Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, said the new units are designed to serve as the first point of contact for all enrollees under the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme (DSCHIS), ensuring that health coverage translates directly into immediate, accessible, and efficient care.
According to Akpoveta, their core responsibilities will include patient verification, initial medical consultations, delivery of basic primary healthcare services, and the provision of vital health education.
As part of the rollout, officials of the DSCHC recently paid strategic visits to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, and the General Hospital, Okwe, to discuss implementation frameworks and assess the operational readiness of the hospitals for the establishment of the HIUs.
Dr. Akpoveta added that the creation of the HIUs represents a critical reform aimed at boosting the efficiency and coordination of healthcare services in the state. By handling verification and offering routine care directly within hospitals, the units will reduce unnecessary referrals to expensive specialist services, streamline patient flow, and cut down waiting times for enrollees.
He emphasized that the initiative is not only about improving efficiency but also about deepening trust in the health insurance system. “The Health Insurance Units will ensure that every enrollee experiences seamless access to care, from the point of verification to treatment,” he said.
Dr. Akpoveta added that the establishment of the HIUs reaffirms Delta State’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and fulfilling its vision of ‘Health for All Deltans.
