By Pat Gbemudu
The Director-General (DG) of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Olorogun (Dr.) Isaac Apkoveta has reemphasised the commitment of the commission to increase the number of the enrollees with the state contributory health insurance scheme .
Dr. Akpoveta stated this on resumption of office as the DG of the commission in Asaba.
He stated that “so far, the count is 1.4 to 1.5 million enrollees, which is 25 percent of the population of Delta State,” adding that the figure would be doubled within one year.
In line with the objective, the DG called on all private businesses operating within the state to partner with the commission in expanding access to quality healthcare for residents.
He further emphasised the importance of collaboration and urged businesses to take advantage of the numerous benefits that came with partnering with the commission.
Dr. Akpoveta highlighted the commitment of the commission to ensuring that every resident in Delta State had access to affordable and quality healthcare, reiterating the need to reach out to more individuals and families with the health insurance coverage of the commission; thereby, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for medical services.
Dr. Akpoveta announced various strategies the commission would adopt to realise the set goals, including intensifying public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the benefits of enrolling in the health insurance scheme, streamlining registration processes to make it easier for individuals to sign up, and expanding the network of healthcare providers, participating in the scheme.
He also highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making in achieving the goals of the commission objectives, harping on the need for accurate and up-to-date data to identify gaps in healthcare coverage and to formulate targeted interventions.
Dr. Akpoveta, who was the immediate past Board Chairman of the commission expressed his appreciation to the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for finding him worthy to continue to serve in the commission.