In a major boost to maternal and child healthcare delivery, the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) has announced the commencement of free walk-in maternal healthcare services for pregnant women and children under the age of five across the state.
The initiative, which takes effect from January 1, 2026, will be available in all DSCHC-accredited public and private health facilities in Delta State.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, made the announcement during a press briefing at the Commission’s headquarters in Asaba, where he outlined key milestones and reforms achieved under the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme.
Dr. Akpoveta explained that the policy is designed to remove barriers that delay or prevent access to timely healthcare, particularly for pregnant women and young children who require urgent medical attention. He emphasized that under the new directive, no woman or child will be denied treatment due to registration or documentation challenges.
“Registration and necessary documentation can be completed after care has been provided. The priority is to save lives and ensure prompt access to quality healthcare,” he said.
According to him, the walk-in maternal care policy underscores the Commission’s commitment to reducing maternal and infant mortality, improving health outcomes, and expanding access to essential services for vulnerable populations across the state.
The DSCHC boss disclosed that all accredited health facilities, both public and private, have been directed to fully comply with the policy, adding that the Commission will deploy robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective implementation and strict adherence to approved service standards.
Dr. Akpoveta noted that the initiative complements ongoing reforms within the Commission, including system upgrades and service delivery improvements aimed at promoting equity, efficiency, and achieving universal health coverage in Delta State.
He further revealed that the policy has already been formally communicated to doctors and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of accredited facilities during a two-day training session that recently concluded, to ensure a smooth rollout and uniform understanding of the new directive.
Commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his sustained support for the health sector, Dr. Akpoveta described the walk-in maternal healthcare initiative as a compassionate, people-centred intervention in line with the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda, aimed at improving the wellbeing of Deltans and strengthening the state’s healthcare system.