...as Dr. Isaac Akpoveta launches civil servants’ enlightenment campaign on health insurance policy reforms
In a bid to deepen public understanding and improve the efficiency of the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, has embarked on a comprehensive statewide sensitization tour focused on civil servants, the largest group of enrollees under the scheme.
Addressing a gathering of civil servants on Tuesday July 22, 2025, in Asaba, as part of the ongoing sensitization efforts, Dr. Akpoveta described the exercise as a strategic engagement designed to empower public sector workers with the right information, strengthen service delivery, and promote accountability in line with the health component of the MORE Agenda of the current administration.
“This sensitization is not just necessary; it is urgent. Everyone in the health system, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, must be carried along.
“Labour unions are represented on the Board, and as key stakeholders, it is imperative they fully understand our direction and the changes being introduced,” Dr. Akpoveta stated.
The Commission, according to the DG, has introduced reforms to guarantee that civil servants get the best possible healthcare without being shortchanged or misled by health providers.
Part of the new measures include deploying real-time monitoring systems (monitors ) at hospitals and pharmacies to ensure that prescriptions are fully honored and patients are not subjected to undue delays or out-of-pocket expenses.
“We’ve received complaints in the past about incomplete drug dispensation or poor service. Today, over 80% of our enrollees receive full medication as prescribed right at the healthcare facilities. That is a major improvement, and we are enforcing it with data and live monitoring,” he emphasized.
Dr. Akpoveta also revealed the Commission’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and sharp practices by healthcare providers.
He cited a recent incident where a provider was found guilty of collecting N450,000 for a caesarean section that should have been covered under the scheme.
“We are refunding that money to the patient and imposing a N100,000 fine on the provider. If such misconduct is repeated, the provider will be delisted,” he declared.
“For government hospitals, erring staff will be sanctioned, even if it means being transferred to remote areas. Accountability must be enforced.”
The sensitization also served as a capacity-building session, where civil servants were educated on what the scheme covers, how to lodge complaints, and the steps to take when they are wrongly asked to pay for covered services.
“We have encouraged them to demand their rights, retain receipts, and escalate any issues. We are creating a dedicated platform between the Commission and civil service leadership for real-time feedback and resolution,” Dr. Akpoveta said.
He commended civil servants for their consistency in paying monthly contributions and praised the state government for its regular counterpart funding, both of which, he noted, sustain the scheme on a daily basis.
“They are the backbone of this scheme, and they deserve our full protection. This engagement will not be a one-time event, we’ll continue it every three to four months to ensure open dialogue and continuous improvement,” he added.
In closing, Dr. Akpoveta assured the public of a forthcoming report detailing systemic abuses uncovered in the health delivery chain, with offenders given the opportunity to defend themselves before sanctions are applied.
The Delta State Contributory Health Scheme continues to evolve into a model of transparency, stakeholder inclusion, and service quality, with civil servants at the heart of the transformation.
