By Pat Gbemudu
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Contributory Health Commission has announced the commencement of free walk-in maternal healthcare services for pregnant women and children under the age of five across all accredited public and private health facilities in the state, effective January 1, 2026.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Isaac Akpoveta, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Commission’s headquarters in Asaba, where he outlined major milestones and reforms under the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme.
Dr. Akpoveta said the policy is designed to eliminate barriers that often delay or prevent pregnant women and young children from accessing timely medical care, particularly in emergency situations. He clarified that beneficiaries would no longer be required to complete registration or documentation before receiving treatment.
“No pregnant woman or child under five should be denied care because of registration challenges. Under this policy, healthcare comes first, while documentation can be completed afterward,” he said.
According to him, the initiative underscores the Commission’s commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes, reducing maternal and infant mortality, and expanding access to quality healthcare for vulnerable groups across Delta State.
He stated that all DSCHC-accredited health facilities, both public and private, have been directed to comply fully with the walk-in maternal care policy. He added that the Commission will deploy monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure effective implementation and strict adherence to service standards.
Dr. Akpoveta noted that the policy complements ongoing reforms within the Commission, including system upgrades and service delivery improvements aimed at promoting equity, efficiency and universal health coverage in the state.
He further disclosed that the directive has already been formally communicated to doctors and Officers-in-Charge of accredited facilities during a recently concluded two-day training session, to ensure uniform understanding and smooth implementation ahead of the January rollout.
The Director-General commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his sustained support for the health sector, describing the walk-in maternal healthcare policy as a compassionate and forward-looking intervention aligned with the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda of inclusive and people-centred governance.
