ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, highlighted the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare, stating it is non-negotiable for maintaining a healthy, vibrant, and productive population. The Governor made these remarks during a meeting with the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), led by its National Chairman, Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu, and the National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Professor Cyril Osifo, at the Government House in Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to prioritizing the health of Deltans and mentioned that Delta State was the first in the country to implement a mandatory health insurance scheme, which has seen over 1.2 million enrollees.
“It is gratifying to know that this conference is focusing on Universal Health Coverage,” Governor Oborevwori said. “Accessible and affordable healthcare is a non-negotiable for a healthy, vibrant, and productive population. Health is life, hence the implementation of the mandatory health insurance scheme must be pursued with vigor. I am happy to let you know that Delta State is doing very well in this regard.”
The Governor lauded the success of the state’s mandatory health insurance scheme, which has achieved over 20 percent coverage of its citizens, making it the highest in the country. He pledged to further expand the capacity of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission to maintain the state’s leadership position in healthcare.
Furthermore, Governor Oborevwori assured the Community Pharmacists of the State Government’s continued support in improving healthcare delivery. He acknowledged the vital role played by Community Pharmacists in achieving the goal of universal health coverage and emphasized the importance of their services in disease prevention and health promotion.
“As a Government, we shall continue to leverage the knowledge, skill, and expertise of the Community Pharmacists to deliver quality healthcare to our people because they are the bridge between patients and medical practitioners,” he stated. “We see you as partners in the healthcare delivery chain, and we will continue to provide the enabling environment for you to discharge your services.”
In addition to discussing healthcare, the Governor praised Delta State’s peaceful environment and its reputation as a welcoming destination for conferences and events. He expressed confidence that the ongoing Asaba 2023 National Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists, attended by over 8,000 pharmacists and 132 pharmaceutical companies, would be fruitful.
Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu, National Chairman of ACPN, congratulated Governor Oborevwori on his landslide victory at the polls and assured him of the Association’s support. The conference, themed “Building Effective Community Pharmacy Services For Universal Health Coverage,” has already trained 107 pharmacists in Delta State on vaccine administration.
Delta State continues to take significant steps to improve its healthcare system, setting an example for other states in Nigeria to follow in achieving universal health coverage and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
