UGHELLI/Nigeria: In a significant stride toward enhancing healthcare access, 100 indigenes of Afiesere Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have been enrolled in the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme. This initiative was spearheaded by the newly inaugurated President-General of the Afiesere Community’s Central Executive Committee, Mr. Luke Umukoro.
The beneficiaries, a mix of young and elderly individuals, have been registered under the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC). They are now set to enjoy free healthcare services for one year, courtesy of Mr. Umukoro’s intervention.
At the inauguration ceremony of the Afiesere Central Executive Committee in Ughelli, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, highlighted the significance of the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative. “This initiative allows more privileged persons to extend a helping hand to those who cannot afford the ₦7,000 health insurance premium,” Dr. Akpoveta stated. He urged more individuals to support the program to enable broader access to healthcare, which he believes will “prolong lives and improve the overall well-being of our communities.”
Dr. Akpoveta praised Mr. Umukoro for his proactive approach to addressing the healthcare needs of his people, noting, “Starting your administration by enrolling 100 beneficiaries into the health insurance scheme is a commendable act that sets a positive tone for your leadership.”
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Umukoro expressed his commitment to serving the community with integrity, transparency, and dedication. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in transforming Afiesere Community into a “beacon of hope, prosperity, and harmony.” Reflecting on his experience in the health sector, Mr. Umukoro said, “I understand the challenges our people face in accessing healthcare, and this gesture is a reflection of my commitment to their well-being.” He also commended the state government’s efforts in sustaining the health insurance scheme.
The event also saw various community leaders and stakeholders, including some chiefs, Reverend Mercy Otuokena, the immediate past Chairperson of Afiesere Christian Fellowship, and Chief Herman-Van Niekerk, Security Manager of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, applaud Mr. Umukoro’s initiative. Beneficiaries of the scheme expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to access free healthcare.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of an award to Mr. Umukoro as a Health Insurance Ambassador, recognizing his substantial contributions to improving healthcare in Delta State. The event concluded with the data capture of the beneficiaries by officials from the Delta State Contributory Health Commission.
