By Pat Gbemudu
Through the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI) program, an initiative of Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, the Director General (D-G) of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), which aims to ensure that every resident especially the indigents, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to quality healthcare, a total of 240 beneficiaries of the Women Wing of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) have been enrolled under the State Health Scheme.
The flag-off ceremony of the registration for health insurance coverage was held today, at the Cultural Center, Okere-Warri. And the subscription totally N1.8m for the 240 women at N7000 per person was sponsored by Hon. Chief Solomon Igrakpata, the Chairman of Delta State Board of Internal Revenue.
The adoption and purchase of health insurance for 240 vulnerable individuals drawn from the 24 Kingdoms of Urhobo Nation, was in response to the clarion call of the D-G to all people of goodwill to key into the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative of the commission, which he said was not just an act of charity, but a demonstration of profound empathy and a tangible commitment to the well-being of our people.
Dr. Akpoveta asserted that the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing healthcare disparities. That through this initiative, the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori aims to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to indigent individuals, thereby improving their health outcomes and promoting social equity within our communities.
He urged stakeholders present and beyond, especially those in the diaspora, to continue supporting the initiatives aimed at expanding
healthcare access for all residents of Delta State. “Together, we can build a healthier, more prosperous future for our state where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.” The D-G said while appealing to well to do Nigerians to support their communities by paying N7000 to register a person.
While Commending the new Health Insurance Ambassador and sponsor of 240 beneficiaries of UPU Women Wing, Dr. Akpoveta noted that “by stepping forward to adopt enrollees and purchase health insurance for the vulnerable members of your community, Hon. Bar. Chief Solomon Igrakpata 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 Hon. Bar. Chief Solomon Igrakpata. 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 to SAVE A LIFE TODAY”.
He added that quality affordable and accessible health scheme was what the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s-led administration stands for. Adding, he said “Think M.O.RE. And do MORE for your neighbour.
Dr. Akpoveta thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the continued strong political and financial support he has been giving to the commission.
In his remarks, an overwhelming Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, who appealed to the women to continue to pray and support Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to succeed in his 8 years to develop the State, said the gesture of subscribing 10 persons each from the 24 Urhobo kingdoms was his own little way of supporting the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s-led administration MORE Agenda.
He charged the women to Keep their Health Insurance Cards safe to enable them use it to access the health care service instead of self medication.
Hon. Ighrakpata commended Olorogun Dr Isaac Akpoveta, for the turnaround since he assumed office as DG of DSCHC.
“Ever since Akpoveta took over there has been tremendous improvement, awareness and successes in the Commission. DSCHC is now a household name in the State. I will not let you down in this honour bestowed on me as Health Insurance Ambassador”. He stated.
In their separate remarks, some of the beneficiaries including the Osu r’ Ewheya r’ Urhobo (UPU Women Wing leader) Dame Chief Rose Oghene, appreciated and prayed for Governor Sheriff Orohwedo Oborevwori who has taught it wise that the indigents should benefit from his robust MOOR AGENDA.
“We appreciate the drivers of this initiative, Chief Dr. Isaac C. Akpoveta and his team that brought this awareness of the concept to the grassroot during the 2023 UPU Conference and other areas that they have covered as shown in the media.
“One faithful day as I watched the Delta State DRTV News, I saw the team at one of our university sensitizing the student. I was motivated and muted the idea, of also taking this program to the Urhobo women.
“I immediately called Dr. Akpoveta to indicate the women-interest. This concept was canvased and have been accepted by the Exco. Dr. Akpoveta sent his director Mr. Apkofure to come to our March meeting to sensitize the women at the close of the session. We encouraged the women to come with the sum of 7,000 for the capturing.” Chief Rose Oghene stated on her appreciation speech.
The UPU Women Wing also expressed appreciation to their sponsor, that in less than 48 hours of approaching him, their own brother, Hon. Solomon Okporua Ighrakpata paid into the Ehweya Account the sum of 1.8M Naira to register the 240 women drawn from the Urhobo kingdoms
The highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of plaque of honour to Hon. Chief Solomon Igrakpata, as Health Insurance Ambassador worldwide of DSCHC, capturing and presentation of Health Insurance Cards to Enrollees by the D-G, Olorogun Dr Isaac Akpoveta.