By Francis Sadhere, Delta

The Delta State Government has enrolled over 2.5 million residents into its Contributory Health Scheme, with significant progress in extending coverage to rural and underserved communities.The initiative, led by the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) under Dr.

Isaac Akpoveta, has made notable strides, including the recent enrollment of indigent Deltans in the creeks and Oleh Town. Dr. Akpoveta, in an interview with journalists recently emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging well-to-do Deltans both at home and abroad to contribute to the health insurance scheme by paying a subscription fee of 7,000 Naira for vulnerable residents.His call has been echoed by numerous community leaders, such as Deacon Okezi Odugala, a board member of the DSCHC, who recently took action by purchasing health insurance for 100 vulnerable individuals in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area.Dr. Akpoveta expressed gratitude for the efforts of Deacon Odugala, who was presented with an “Ambassador of Health Insurance” award on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his contribution to the scheme.The award aims to encourage others to invest in health insurance for the underprivileged, reinforcing the Governor’s vision of ensuring all Deltans have access to healthcare.The initiative’s expansion into rural areas, including locations such as Oporoza, further illustrates the state’s commitment to reaching even the most isolated communities, where healthcare facilities are scarce and residents may not be aware of available health services.The governor’s political support and funding were noted by Dr. Akpoveta as critical to the program’s success.He assured the public that the commission would continue working to bring healthcare access to rural communities. “We’re going to push more because these rural areas have no health facilities, and they are often unaware of what is happening in the urban areas,” Dr. Akpoveta said.Deacon Okezi Odugala expressed his appreciation for the Delta State Government’s commitment to improving healthcare, stating, “The platform of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission is very innovative and has been propelled by capable professionals like Olorogun Dr. Akpoveta.”He further acknowledged the sustainability of the scheme, crediting former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s vision and the current Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s continued support.”My inspiration as a civil society person, is that all the work I do is to work for humanity, to ensure that we make life better for people. And I must say you that the platform of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission is a very, very innovative platform, and is a learning space for us. And again, it’s a platform that has been propelled by very, very capable professionals, and I will say it any day, that Olorogun Dr Akpoveta has brazed the trial for a sustainable healthcare system following the inspiration and the vision of the former governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and the sustainability part of it is that we are in the MORE agenda phase, and the present, Governor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has been doing so well sustaining this program, and we’ll see today that the state is at the top,” Deacon Okezi Odugala said.One of the beneficiaries, Victor Ayudeeju, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the enrollees, thanking both the Delta State Government and Deacon Okezi Odugala for their generosity in providing health insurance to vulnerable Deltans.The Delta State Contributory Health Scheme continues to be a vital program in the state’s efforts to provide accessible, quality healthcare to all residents, with ongoing efforts to extend its reach to the farthest corners of the state.