Akpoveta Flags-Off DSCHC Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative In Isoko

By Hezekiah Ovedhe

The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac O. Akpoveta, on Sunday flagged-off the
DSCHC Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI) of DSCHS (informal Sector) in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The 150 beneficiaries were sponsored by the Late Elder Joseph Ubuavame Erebe family

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While flagging-off the exercise that was held at Owheologbo Town Hall, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer Of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac O. Akpoveta, said, “the cost of providing this critical support is just 7,000 Naira per individual.”

Adding: “A modest sum for many, but for those who benefit, it is a lifeline. It is the difference between hope and despair, between health and illness, and, in many cases, between life and death.”

He continued: “Philanthropy in health insurance transcends the act of giving. It is a statement of our values and our commitment to equity and justice. It is an acknowledgment that we are all interconnected and that the well-being of one impacts the well-being of all.The vulnerable and indigent populations often face insurmountable barriers to obtaining the medical care they need. This is a reality that we, as a compassionate and progressive society, must address.”

According to him, “philanthropy in its essence is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed through the generous donation of resources,” saying “when this generosity is directed towards providing health insurance for the vulnerable, it becomes the ultimate act of compassion and solidarity.”

“It is an investment in humanity that yields immeasurable returns,” he opined.

Furthermore, he said: “Health insurance for the vulnerable is not just about providing financial protection against medical expenses. It is about ensuring that every individual, regardless of their socio-economic status, has the opportunity to lead a healthy, productive life. It is about giving parents the peace of mind that their children can receive the care they need when they fall ill. It is about enabling individuals to seek preventive care and avoid the escalation of minor health issues into life-threatening conditions.

“Today, I call upon each of you to embrace this initiative with the generosity and compassion that define our humanity. Let us not wait for others to act. Let us lead by example and demonstrate that philanthropy in health insurance for the vulnerable is indeed the ultimate. Your support will not only change lives, it will set a precedence for others to follow. It will inspire a movement where the fortunate extend a helping hand to those in need, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout our society.Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind.”

Meanwhile, he said that “since its inception, the DSCHC has made remarkable progress in fulfilling its mandate.”

“We have implemented various programs aimed at improving healthcare access and quality across the state. These programs include the Equity Health Plan; Formal Health Planand the Informal Health Plan; in addition we are implementing the Access To Finance Initiative for the hard to reach areas of the state; the Tertiary Institution Social Health Insurance Program (TISHIP) for Students, The Artisans Enrollee Inducement Initiative and of course the Indigent Enrolee Adoption Initiative, in furtherance of which we are here today,” adding: “Through these initiatives, we have been able to significantly increase healthcare coverage and improve health outcomes for our people.”

He said further: “As at the end of June 2024, our enrolment statistics stands close to 2.3 million insured. This figure is a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of delta state have placed in our commission and its programs. However, we recognize that there is still much work to be done, and we remain committed to expanding our reach and impact across the state.

“As we gather here today, we embark on a journey towards ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our society have access to quality healthcare services. This Indigent Enrolee Adoption Initiative is a testament to our unwavering commitment to leaving no one behind in our pursuit of universal healthcare coverage in Delta State.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who has continued to give strong political will and financial support to the commission.

“As you have seen today the indigent enrollee adoption initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing healthcare disparities. Through this initiative, we aim to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to indigent individuals, thereby improving their health outcomes and promoting social equity within our communities.”

Speaking further,  Olorogun Dr Akpoveta said: “I therefore urge all stakeholders present here today, and beyond, especially those in the diaspora, to continue supporting initiatives aimed at expanding healthcare access for all residents of Delta State. Together, we can build a healthier, more prosperous future for our state where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

“In closing, let us celebrate this momentous occasion as we embark on this noble endeavor. With our collective efforts and unwavering commitment, I am confident that we will achieve our shared goal of ensuring health for all in Delta State by the year 2030 as stipulated in SDG 3 of United Nation.”

In an interview with newsmen, the representative of the sponsor, Dr James Ighoroje, appreciated the Governor of Delta State, Rt.Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for the scheme, and commended the sponsor,  Mr Gabriel Erebe for his kind gesture, urging the people of Owhelogbo community to take advantage of the opportunity and ensure that they register for the scheme.

He said: “Health is something that is very important to humans. For the State Government and the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme to bring this project to Owhelogbo our community, it is something that we must appreciate them for and we are going to take advantage of this opportunity. If we can have more of this assistance to the downtrodden, most of the complaints will not be there. You can see the ovation and how happy the people are even when today is Sunday, you can see how they are so excited to be actively involved. So if we can have more of this, you will see that we add value to our people on health wise. I want to also thank the facilitator of this program Mr Gabriel Erebe, the Director-General of the Scheme, Olorogun Dr Isaac O Akpoveta, State Governor and all others who are involved in this programme.  On behalf of the community, we so grateful and pray God to bless them.”

Appreciating the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and the facilitator of the programme, Mr Gabriel Erebe, some of the  beneficiaries who spoke with newsmen are, Mrs Happy Ovuete, Mr Reuben Ajokaezi, Mrs Ruth Erigwe and Mr Michael Ojaidhe.

They all commended the State Governor for the programme and the facilitator for the gesture.

Highlights of the programme was the presentation of an award to the facilitator, Mr Gabriel Erebe by the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac O. Akpoveta as the Health Insurance Ambassador of Delta state and registration of the beneficiaries.