By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
Delta State has taken another decisive step toward achieving universal health coverage, as one thousand vulnerable residents of Oshimili South Constituency were enrolled into the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme (DSCHIS), reaffirming the state government’s commitment to affordable, accessible and sustainable healthcare for all.
The enrolment was officially flagged off in Asaba by the Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, under the Sustainable Health Insurance Transformative Inclusion Initiative (SHIFT-I), a constituency-based intervention of the member representing Oshimili South in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Ifechukwukwu Bridget Anyafulu, Esq.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Akpoveta described the initiative as a clear demonstration of people-centred governance and an effective model for expanding health insurance coverage among indigent populations. He explained that through the programme, beneficiaries have been granted free access to quality healthcare services for one year at accredited healthcare facilities of their choice across the state.
According to him, the enrolment aligns with the Commission’s Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI), a special platform designed to allow public office holders, corporate organisations and well-meaning Deltans to sponsor vulnerable persons into the scheme at a highly subsidised rate of ₦7,000 per annum, with the state government bearing a significant portion of the cost.
“The Delta State Contributory Health Scheme is not just about healthcare; it is about dignity, financial protection and social justice,” Dr. Akpoveta said. “By removing financial barriers to healthcare, we are protecting families from catastrophic health spending and ensuring that no one is left behind because of poverty.”
He commended Hon. Anyafulu for her foresight and commitment to grassroots welfare, describing her intervention as a practical response to the realities faced by low-income earners who often delay or completely avoid medical treatment due to cost.
Dr. Akpoveta further disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori places premium value on the health and wellbeing of Deltans, noting that the governor has invested substantial resources into strengthening the health insurance system, improving service delivery and expanding coverage across urban and rural communities.
He revealed that the Delta State Health Insurance Scheme has so far recorded over two million enrollees, placing Delta State first in Nigeria in health insurance coverage, a feat he said reflects strong political will and effective policy implementation.
“The success of this scheme shows that when government policies are backed with commitment, the impact is felt directly by the people,” he added, stressing that the scheme is steadily spreading good health, economic stability and hope across the state, including Oshimili South.
In her remarks, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu said her decision to enrol the beneficiaries was driven by her firm belief that good health is the foundation of productivity and development. She lamented that excessive out-of-pocket medical expenses have forced many families into poverty, debt and avoidable suffering.
“Healthcare should not be a luxury,” she said. “Too many households are pushed deeper into hardship simply because a family member falls ill. Health insurance is the most effective way to break that cycle and guarantee access to quality care without financial distress.”
The lawmaker emphasised that health insurance remains a critical pathway to sustainable development, social inclusion and economic growth, pledging her continued support for policies and programmes that directly improve the living conditions of her constituents.
Beneficiaries of the scheme expressed deep gratitude to the state government and Hon. Anyafulu, describing the intervention as timely, life-saving and transformative, especially for elderly persons, widows and low-income earners who struggle to afford medical care.
The event featured the presentation of health insurance cards, distribution of empowerment items to beneficiaries, and the conferment of a Health Insurance Ambassador Award on Hon. Anyafulu by the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, in recognition of her advocacy and tangible support for the scheme.
As Delta State continues to strengthen its contributory health insurance framework, stakeholders say initiatives like this underscore a growing commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is no longer a privilege, but a guaranteed right for every Deltan.