As the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme (DSCHC) continues to impact rural dwellers, traditional rulers have joined in the call for citizens to purchase health insurance for vulnerable indigenes.
His Royal Majesties, Ovie Macaulay Onojomete Popo Ovbagbedia, JP, Ohurie-Osadjere II, The Ohworode of ancient Olomu kingdom, and Ovie Okiemute Onajite Igere 1, The Ovie of Otor-Ogor kingdom, made the calls yesterday, during the flag-off of the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI) of the DSCHC at their palaces in Olomu, Ughelli South and Otor-Ogor in Ughelli North Local Government Areas.
The event saw the registration of a total of 100 indigent persons into the State Contributory Health Scheme, sponsored by Olorogun Dumasi Ejiro Tawiah, The Akporee of Olomu Kingdom, a Lagos based business tycoon and philanthropist.
The Indigent Enrollee Adoption program, an initiative of Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, the Director General of Delta State Contributory Health Commission, aims to ensure that every resident especially the indigents, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to quality healthcare.
Addressing the people at the various Kingdoms, the Director General (D-G) and Chief Executive Officer of DSCHC, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, disclosed that the State Government had subsidized healthcare for its citizens, and paid over 7 billion naira so far, as health is wealth, adding that with the payment of 7,000 naira insurance premium, citizens could enjoy free and quality healthcare for a year.
He said it gladdened his heart to see the spirit of solidarity and community support exemplified by this gentleman, whose noble gesture will provide essential healthcare coverage for those who need it most.
Dr. Akpoveta commended the sponsor, Olorogun Dumasi Ejiro Tawiah, for enriching the lives of his people, saying that it was a demonstration of Olorogun Dumasi’s belief in the principle of Collective and Shared Responsibility, which the MORE agenda of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration encapsulated.
While saying Healthcare should not be a luxury reserved for the privileged few, that it is a fundamental human right that must be guaranteed to all, Akpoveta asserted that “By stepping forward to adopt enrollees and purchase health insurance for the vulnerable members of his Olomu and Otor-Ogor Kingdoms, Olorogun Dumasi Ejiro Tawiah has demonstrated a profound understanding of this principle and shown us the power of determined action in creating positive change.
“As we witness the registration of the adoptees, I urge each and every one of us to be inspired by the selflessness and dedication of Olorogun Dumasi Ejiro. Let us all take up the mantle of responsibility and join hands in supporting our fellow community members who are in need. There are countless ways in which we can contribute to the well-being of those around us.
“Together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life. Let us seize this moment as a call to action, a reminder that our collective strength lies in our ability to care for one another and uplift those who are less fortunate.
This is what the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the Present administration of His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori stands for.”
He urged Deltans of means, at home and in the diaspora to imbibe same principle by keying into the indigent Enrollee Adoption Program of the commission to register the vulnerable and indigents in their locality, reiterating the commitment of the commission to enrolling more Deltans.
The Ohworode of Olomu kingdom, Uhurie-Osadjere II, and the Ovie of Ogor kingdom, Igere 1, who was represented by the President General (P-G) of Oviri-Ogor community, Chief Monday Otobrise, as well as the Administrative Secretary of the Olomu Palace, Chief Simon Ebrobota, were full of praises for their son (Olorogun Dumasi) who took it upon himself to improve the health indices of the people by subscribing for 100 persons, noting that though N7,000 can no longer feed a family with the current inflation rate, but it’s difficult to get.
They commended the state government for the initiative and called on other citizens to emulate the gesture to make life more bearable for citizens in the harsh economy.
The sponsor, Olorogun Dumasi Ejiro Tawiah, who was represented by Mr. Avworho Maver Sylvester, a renowned Delta Politician and Senatorial candidate in the 2023 General Elections, spoke on how he heard about the scheme and how he decided to key into it, bearing in mind the sufferings of many in the face of the harsh economic realities.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the sponsor and promised to make effective use of the scheme.
Ogor Kingdom had 50 persons benefitting comprising 12 persons each from Otor-Ogor, Edjekota- Ogor and Oviri-Ogor communities, while 8 persons each were drawn from Ovwokpokpo-Ogor and Ihreovie-Ogor.
The remaining 50 beneficiaries were also drawn from different communities in Olomu kingdom.
The Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative was part of the Commission’s Initiative to fulfill the State Government’s mandate, to ensure inclusive health for all.
NIM