The Delta State Contributory Health Commission has successfully enrolled over 560 hospitals, comprising both public and private facilities, into the state’s health insurance program.
This milestone was announced by the Commission’s Director-General, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, during a press briefing in Asaba, Delta State.
Dr. Akpoveta also revealed that the state government, through this initiative, shoulders the cost of over 300 caesarean sections every month, benefiting women across the state.
He elaborated, “If you do caesarean section in a private hospital, you will pay N300, 000 to N500, 000 then multiply it by 300 for every month.
“The state government through the scheme augments the medical bills of over 2 million persons who registered under the scheme across the state.
” Since we started operations in January 2017 till date, we have enrolled quite over 35 per cent of Deltans into the scheme which is the highest of any state in the country.
He Stated that, Delta State is number one in every parameter of health insurance in the country.
“I can tell you that we cover the bills of over 300 cesarean sections monthly at a cost of over N500,000 but it has been a silent activity of the government that people are not aware of,” Akpoveta noted.
Dr. Akpoveta further revealed that the state has maintained its commitment to providing free medical care to children aged 0-5 years old under the scheme.
He emphasized that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable populations, demonstrating his passion and unwavering commitment to their protection.
” I am glad that you mentioned that the yearly premium of N7,000 for health insurance is little compared to the huge financial burden on medical care but this is possible because the government has been subsidizing.
“In 2016, when we did the accrual determination of how much should cover an individual healthcare in a year; it was about 18, 000. By now, it would be higher but the government of Delta State under Sheriff Oborevwori believes in taking care of its people”, he pinpointed.
During a tour of the facilities, Dr. Akpoveta highlighted the impressive infrastructure as a reflection of the significant investment made to ensure the scheme’s success.
He stressed the state government’s dedication to providing high-quality healthcare to residents and urged philanthropic individuals to support the initiative by sponsoring health insurance premiums for underprivileged individuals across the state.
Earlier, Mr. Ifeanyi Olannye, Chairman of the Asaba Correspondent Chapel, praised the government’s efforts to deliver affordable healthcare, noting that the annual fee of N7,000 for medical services is remarkably low, especially considering the current economic climate.
He expressed his admiration for the government’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to Deltans at a minimal cost.
