By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
In a move to tackle alleged negligence and mismanagement, the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) has launched an investigation into its operational structure, revealing that some Service Quality Monitors (SQMs), commonly known as “Agents,” were exploiting the system through absenteeism and proxy staffing.
The Director-General of DSCHC, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, confirmed in Asaba yesterday that the commission’s probe prompted by reports from Spade Nigeria News Online uncovered that some Agents were either skipping work or farming out their duties on a 50/50 payment-sharing basis. These SQMs, officially recruited, trained, deployed, and given appointment letters, were supposed to ensure quality health service delivery under the state’s health insurance scheme.
“Some Agents chose to transfer their roles to others while splitting their monthly payments,” Dr. Akpoveta revealed. “We have now directed that all Agents fill in their personal details during this training to end proxy practices and reinforce accountability.”
He stressed that it’s only the stipend of some agents who did not file in their report or show proof of working that was withheld. “Those whose stipends were withheld were found to have engaged in truancy and failed to submit reports. Some even tried to instigate protests against the Commission,” he explained.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Akpoveta highlighted the DSCHC’s success in enrolling over 2.6 million Deltans into the health insurance scheme. He expressed optimism that universal health coverage would soon be achieved.
Addressing journalists after the SQMs’ training session, Dr. Akpoveta emphasized the critical role these Agents play in monitoring service delivery across the about 540 health facilities. “The SQMs are our eyes and ears in the hospitals, ensuring that the right medications are prescribed, proper treatments are given, and malpractice is curbed,” he said.
The training, held at the DSCHC headquarters, focused on enhancing the Agents’ understanding of their responsibilities, including verifying patient residency using identity cards or utility bills. This measure aims to prevent non-residents from exploiting the Delta State’s free maternal and child healthcare services.
“Deltans deserve quality healthcare,” Dr. Akpoveta said, urging the SQMs to be diligent, professional, and committed. He also called on residents to embrace the health insurance scheme for their benefit.
With ongoing institutional reforms guaranteeing fair labor practices and transparent welfare policies, the DSCHC is determined to sanitize the system and deliver on its promise of accessible healthcare for all.