The Director General (DG), Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta has advocated for increase in the enrollment of more Deltans, particularly the indigents. into the health insurance scheme, in the furtherance of universal health coverage.
The call which is aimed at integrating the informal sector into the state’s health insurance scheme would enable the less privileged to access affordable, and quality healthcare under the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative of the commission.
The initiative is a brainchild of the pragmatic and dogged Director-General, who believes that health should not only be for the rich but for all.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, disclosed this on Saturday May 11, 2024, while registering another set of 240 women at the instance of the Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Olorogun Solomon Igrakpata, at the Urhobo Cultural House along Okere Road in Warri.
In his address during the ceremony, he expressed gratitude to the donor who despite the economic hardship, went out of his way to provide N1.8 million for the 240 women from the 24 Urhobo kingdoms.
He said: “I am glad to be here once more today with a heart full of gratitude and joy as we gather for the flag-off of the registration for health insurance coverage of 240 indigent and vulnerable persons in Delta state by another great son of Urhobo Nation, Hon. Bar. Chief Solomon Igrakpata, the Chairman of Delta State Board of Internal Revenue.
“It is really grandiose that in this era of wants we still have men with generous hearts as being demonstrated today by Chief Solomon Ighrakpata. To offer a man a life line of good health through health insurance is one of the greatest way to support the indigents and the vulnerable among us, as good health is the first prayer of everyone daily.
“I am indeed happy to celebrate the remarkable kindness of a great philanthropist, Hon. Bar. Chief Solomon Igrakpata who has set a shining example for all to follow.
“The adoption and purchase of health insurance for 240 vulnerable
individuals from the 24 Kingdoms of Urhobo Nation, 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.
“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.
“It gladdens my 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.
“With just N7000 per person you can purchase our health insurance card for your neighbor in need to access quality health care throughout the year. Healthcare should not be a luxury reserved for the privileged few; it is a fundamental human right that must be guaranteed for all.
“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”.
While calling on others to follow suit to save a life, Dr. Akpoveta, who is passionate about the health of Deltans and those residing in the State, said; “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”.
In his remarks, Olorogun Igrakpata, said he was happy to have put smiles on the faces of the women by purchasing health insurance for them.
“I am very happy to be part of this programme and scheme. Infact, when I was approached, I didn’t waste time because we know government cannot do it all and we thank God that God has given a governor that is our own.
“I said I must key into this scheme because a healthy state is a wealthy state and a healthy nation, is a wealthy nation. This is my little contribution to complement the efforts of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor that God has chosen to govern Delta State for the next eight years.
“A governor that is doing us proud as Urhobo people and Deltans. Since he came into office we all see and hear what he is doing for our people.
“Please, let’s pray and stand with him so that what he has for the Urhobo ethnic nationality and Delta State for the eight years that he will rule the State. Please, let us support him, tell everybody that we have not had it this way before, there is difference in this one, he came to work, I call on all to support him.
“So, I want to enjoin all our women that we should please take this scheme very seriously. Always patronize the hospital whenever you are sick. From time to time, I will do more by the grace of God, next year, I will select other people to join you.
“So, please, I want to specially thank our DG because since he came in, he has been very innovative and very proactive. I must appreciate him for the good work you are doing, for that awareness, this scheme has been on, but the awareness wasn’t there. But as you came, the awareness has been awesome.
“So, I am enjoining you to strengthen that sector so that the investments that His Excellency, is putting in by the end of the day, will be properly rewarded. God will bless you and strengthen you for us.
“I also want to thank the president of the UPU Women’s Wing and your team for this creative initiative and of course, our President-General, since you assumed office, UPU has continued to move forward”, he said.
Also speaking, the President Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Women’s Wing, Dame Chief Rose Oghene, said: “I want to thank God Almighty for the provision and the privilege granted to all to witness today’s epoch making event.
“I wish to appreciate the Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Orohwedo Oborevwori who has thought it wise that the indigents should benefit from his Robust MORE AGENDA, may God Bless Him.
“We appreciate the drivers of this initiative, Chief Dr. Isaac 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 mooted the idea of also taking this program to the Urhobo women.
“I immediately called Dr. Akpovita 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.
“But to the glory of God, we further deliberated and agreed among the EXCO that should visit some of our Big Urhobo Brothers and Leaders.
“We are indeed very grateful to have in less than 48 hours our own brother and sponsor Hon. Solomon Okporua Ighrakpata paid into the Ehweya Account the sum of 1.8M Naira.
“We thank our most dynamic President-General, Olorogun Barr. Ese Gam Owe who has given us the needed support. God bless you.
“I thank the women for their understanding and cooperation. Let us continue in this spirit.
“Once again, we thank the team from Asaba, the media and everyone present”, she added.
