By Abel Johngold ORHERUATA
In a bid to ensure that no one is left behind, the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s-led administration, yesterday, through the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), has taken its MORE Agenda Health Insurance Scheme to Onicha-Ugbo and Ute-Okpu, in Aniocha North Ika North East Local Government Areas of the State.
The flaged-off ceremony which separately took place at Idumu-Omu Quarters, Ogbekenu in Onicha-Ugbo, and Ute-Aloahen Quarters, Ute-Okpu, saw a total of 540 persons (120 in Aniocha North and 420 in Ika North East) in it’s first phase registered, captured and being presented with the Commission’s Health Insurance Identity Cards in the category of Indigents Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI) program.
Responding to questions from newsmen shortly after the ceremony, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Austin Obidi, who earlier addressed the beneficiaries and other participants at the gathering in English and Anioma dialect, said the aim of DSCHC is to take the program to every nooks and crannies of the State to make sure everyone benefitted.
He said he was fulfilled that people are enrolling in the program and that the IEAI was one of the ways of getting people to key into the program.
In his speech, the Director General D-G and CEO of DSCHC, Olorogun Dr Isaac Akpoveta disclosed that the registration for health insurance coverage of over 400 indigent and vulnerable persons in Ute-Okpu Kingdom was sponsored by an Indigene of the Community, Dr. Shedrack O. S Nwachukwu, a renowned management consultant. While Idumu-Omu Welfare Association of Onicha-Ugbo sponsored the 120 persons in their quarters of Onicha-Ugbo.
He said it was really grandiose that in this era of wants we still have men with generous heart demonstrated by Dr. S.O.S Nwachukwu. Noting that to offer a man a life line of good health through health insurance was one of the greatest ways to support the indigents and the vulnerable among us, as good health was the first prayer of everyone daily.
Appreciating and celebrating the remarkable kindness of the great philanthropist, Dr. Nwachukwu, who has set a shining example for others to follow, Dr. Akpoveta asserted that “The adoption and purchase of health insurance for over 400 vulnerable individuals from the Ute-Okpu Kingdom in response to the clarion call of DSCHC’s management to all people of goodwill to key into the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative of the commission, is not just an act of charity; it is a demonstration of profound empathy and a tangible commitment to the well-being of our people.
“By stepping forward to adopt enrollees and purchase health insurance for the vulnerable members of your community, Dr. S.O.S Nwachukwu 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 Dr. S.O.S NWACHUKWU. 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.
“SAVE A LIFE TODAY”.
“Through these initiatives, we have been able to significantly increase healthcare coverage and improve health outcomes for our people.
As of today, our enrolment statistics stands over 2 million insured. This figure is a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of delta state have placed in our commission and its programs.”
The Indigent Enrollee Adoption program, an initiative of Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, the D-G of the Commission, aims to ensure that every resident especially the indigents, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to quality healthcare.
The highlights of the ceremony were conferment of Health Insurance Ambassador (HIA) Award / presentation of plaques of honour to the sponsors, Dr. Shedrack Nwachukwu and Idumu-Omu Welfare Association of Onicha-Ugbo, registration, capturing of Enrollees and presentation of Health Insurance Identity Cards to beneficiaries.