By Pat Gbemudu
In furtherance of the state government’s agenda of ensuring MORE access to better healthcare for every resident of Delta, the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) enrolled students of the University of Delta, Agbor, into the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Program (TISHIP).
The initiative, which is in recognition of the pivotal role tertiary institutions play in shaping the future of our society, was flagged off last week at the Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of DSCHC, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, said that the introduction of TISHIP holds immense benefits for the students of UNIDEL and indeed students in all other tertiary institutions in the state.
Adding that “with this program, students will have access to comprehensive healthcare services both within and outside the school Premises.
Dr. Akpoveta, disclosed that the TISHIP extends its coverage beyond the borders of Delta State, ensuring that students can access quality healthcare wherever they may be. He reiterated the commission’s mandate of ensuring healthcare remains accessible and affordable for all residents of the state.
He stated that since inception, the DSCHC has made remarkable progress in fulfilling its mandate. Noting that the commission has implemented various programs aimed at ensuring access to quality healthcare across the State.
These programs, according to Dr. Akpoveta, include the Equity Health Plan; Formal Health Plan; Informal Health Plan; and the Access to Financial Initiative for the residents of the hard-to-reach areas of the State.
The Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI), Artisans Enrollees Inducement Initiative and TISHIP make up the rest of the initiatives currently ongoing in the commission.
Through these initiatives, the commission has been able to significantly increase healthcare coverage and improve health outcomes for our people.
While disclosing the commission’s plan to assist healthcare facilities in the State tertiary institutions, the DG commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his tremendous support to the Commission.
He also thanked the Commissioners for Higher Education, and Health, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari and Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, for their unwavering support in driving the implementation of TISHIP and quality healthcare services respectively, in the state.
Dr. Akpoveta commended the Vice Chancellor and Management Team of the University of Delta, Agbor for their resolute support and commitment to the TISHIP program, noting that their collaboration with the DSCHC would play a pivotal role in advancing the MORE AGENDA mandate of the State Government, particularly in safeguarding the welfare of students.
Adding that through their partnership in implementing TISHIP, they have exhibited a profound dedication to ensuring that students have access to superior healthcare services without financial hazards.
Earlier in her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of UNIDEL, Prof. Stella Chiemeke disclosed to the students that the premium has been included as part of their school fees and encouraged all students to embark on the registration process in earnest.
The VC lauded the TISHIP initiated while commending the governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare for students and residents of the state in general.
The highlight of the program includes presentation of DSCHC identity card to enrolled students at the ceremony venue and the presentation of an award of “Health Insurance Ambassador” to the VC by the Director-General of the commission.
