As the world celebrates Universal Health Coverage Day, the Delta State Government has restated its commitment to the provision of effective and affordable healthcare for its citizens.

Briefing the press on Wednesday as part of the programme to mark the day, Olorogun Isaac Akpoveta, Chairman Delta State Contributory Health Commission and the Director General, Dr. Ben Nkechika, said that Deltans including the poor and the vulnerable are adequately covered by the contributory health scheme.

Olorogun Akpoveta explained that the commission is ensuring that all persons living within the state receive good healthcare without financial crisis.

Dr. Nkechika on his part explained that the state contributory health scheme as at today has over 350,000 enrollees with over 255 public and private primary and secondary healthcare facilities providing services under the scheme in the state.

According to him, “The scheme commenced service on the 1st of January 2017 in 62 government healthcare facilities, it now has over 350,000 enrollees comprising members of the public sector, the formal sector, informal sector and equity groups whose premium are paid by the state government.”

“The commission inspected and accredited 255 public private secondary healthcare facilities and private healthcare facilities to provide service under the scheme, it also has a 24-hour call centre for enquiries, complaints, feedback and other communication requirements,” he added.

Dr. Nkechika disclosed that the commission is partnering with some drug manufacturers for the provision of generic drugs and also Interswitch and eClat Health to deploy an ICT platform for the scheme while the commission has embarked on the revitalisation of over 25 defunct healthcare facilities in the rural areas in partnership with the Bank of Industry and Pharmaccess Foundation.

While explaining that the commission was currently supporting other states to set up their health insurance schemes, the DG urged persons living within the state who have not enrolled in the scheme to do so immediately as it is beneficial to the wellbeing of Deltans.

He assured Deltans that Universal Health Coverage in the year 2030 is achievable in the state and the nation.

•Photo by Bripin Enarusai shows Chairman, Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Olorogun (Dr) Isaac Akpoveta (left), and the Director General, Delta State Contributory Health Scheme, Dr Ben Nkechika (2nd left), during a press briefing in Asaba.

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