By Pat Gbemudu
ODIO-OLOGBO/Nigeria: The Delta State Contributory Health Commission has called on traditional rulers and community leaders to support its programmes, ensuring that indigent individuals in their communities have access to free healthcare services.
Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, the Director General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, made this appeal during a meeting with the Oyede Traditional Rulers Council from Isoko North Local Government Area at his office in Asaba. This visit was described as historic, marking the first time a traditional ruler had visited the Commission.
Dr. Akpoveta highlighted the Commission’s activities since its establishment by the Okowa administration, noting that the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme has over 2 million enrollees, making it a leading social health insurance scheme in the state.
He urged residents, including those in the diaspora, to participate in the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Programme by purchasing health insurance for indigent persons in their communities. Dr. Akpoveta emphasized the importance of prioritizing healthcare over burial expenses to ensure longer and healthier lives for individuals.
Highlighting the need for increased awareness of government health support, Dr. Akpoveta called for collective efforts to support the commission in achieving its mandate of providing quality and affordable healthcare to all residents.
In response, HRM Idiareh Joseph Emasibeta IV, the Odio-Ologbo of Oyede kingdom, commended Dr. Akpoveta for his commitment and humanitarian efforts, expressing satisfaction with his work. He also thanked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for appointing Dr. Akpoveta as the DG, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver effectively.
The event was attended by directors from the Commission, highlighting the collaborative efforts towards improving healthcare access in Delta State.
