As the economic challenges persist, many Nigerians continue to face difficulties accessing quality healthcare. In response, the Delta State government is urging Deltans abroad to support the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative of the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme.
This initiative has garnered support from numerous philanthropists who have provided health insurance for those in need within their communities.
Most recently, on Monday, 150 individuals from Owhelogbo, Isoko-North Local Government Area, were registered under the initiative, thanks to contributions from the family of the late Joseph Erebe.
Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, emphasized that healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. He highlighted that philanthropy directed towards healthcare for the vulnerable is a profound act of compassion.
He said, “Today, I want to commend the sponsors, the family of late Elder Joseph Ubuavame Erebe, for the gesture.
“Philanthropy in healthcare provides an opportunity for people to live healthy and productive lives, to enable people to seek preventive care and avoid escalation of minor illnesses into life-threatening ones.
“The Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative is a platform where high net worth individuals could make a tangible difference by adopting vulnerable indigents and purchasing health insurance premiums at the cost of N7000 per individual.
“I’m calling on all, including those in the diaspora to key into the initiative and ensure no one is left behind, in furtherance of Universal Health Coverage”
He thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for providing a strong political will and financial support to the commission.
In his remarks, the representative of the sponsors, Dr James Ighoroje, thanked the state government for putting up such programmes to benefit the grassroots, saying that it was a sign of commitment from the government to its citizens.
Some of the beneficiaries, who received their health insurance cards on the spot, expressed gratitude and prayed for the government and the donors for providing such an initiative and their benevolence.