OWHELOGBO/Nigeria: As Nigeria’s economic challenges persist, quality healthcare remains a distant dream for many citizens. In response, the Delta State Government has intensified efforts to overcome these barriers through the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative under the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme.
This initiative has garnered support from numerous philanthropists, who have adopted and purchased health insurance for indigent individuals. On Sunday, the program saw the registration of 150 more people from Owhelogbo in Isoko-North Local Government Area, thanks to the family of Late Elder Joseph Ubuavame Erebe.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, emphasized that healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. He praised the philanthropic effort, noting that “philanthropy, when directed to healthcare for the vulnerable, becomes the ultimate act of compassion.”
Dr. Akpoveta lauded the Erebe family for their generous gesture, highlighting that such philanthropy enables people to live healthy and productive lives. “It provides opportunities for people to seek preventive care and avoid the escalation of minor illnesses into life-threatening conditions,” he said.
The Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative invites high-net-worth individuals to adopt vulnerable indigents by purchasing health insurance premiums at ₦7,000 per person. Dr. Akpoveta urged everyone, including those in the diaspora, to support the initiative to ensure no one is left behind in the quest for Universal Health Coverage.
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his strong political will and financial support to the commission.
Dr. James Ighoroje, representing the sponsors, thanked the state government for implementing programs that benefit the grassroots, calling it a sign of the government’s commitment to its citizens.
Beneficiaries who received their health insurance cards on the spot expressed their gratitude and praised both the government and the sponsors for their benevolence.
A highlight of the ceremony was the conferral of the title of Health Insurance Ambassador to the family of Late Elder Joseph Ubuavame Erebe in recognition of their support.
