By Pat Gbemudu
The Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) has enrolled additional residents into the Contributory Health Scheme through the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI), as part of efforts to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare for vulnerable residents across the state.
The enrolment exercises were held at Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area, where 250 indigent beneficiaries—mainly staff of the ministry—were enrolled, and at Umiaghwa Village in Okpe Local Government Area, where 100 pupils of Umiaghwa Primary School were registered under the Scheme.
Speaking at the events, the Director-General of the DSCHC, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, represented by the Director of ICT, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Emmanuel Akpofure, expressed satisfaction with the growing enrolment figures, particularly through the IEAI. He noted that the initiative continues to reflect the spirit of philanthropy and social responsibility among individuals and organizations, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, who are committed to improving access to healthcare in the state.
Dr. Akpoveta disclosed that the registration of the 250 beneficiaries at Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry was sponsored by Ebegha Winston Taralayefa, while the enrolment of the 100 pupils in Umiaghwa was sponsored by the Edward Ederaine Foundation. He explained that the initiative aligns with the Delta State Government’s drive toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.
“Our Commission remains committed to expanding enrolment in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of His Excellency, particularly in the area of health insurance and sustainable health financing. Our goal is to ensure that no resident is forced into financial hardship or asset liquidation in order to access quality healthcare,” he said, while commending the sponsors for their generosity and commitment to public welfare.
In his remarks, Chief Hon. Deacon Taralayefa stated that the sponsorship was informed by a desire to give back to society. He described the General Overseer of Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry, Jeremiah Fufeyin, as a renowned philanthropist with a long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes. He added that partnering with the Delta State Government was a privilege, given the visible infrastructural and socio-economic progress recorded in the state.
He further noted that the initiative provides members and staff of the ministry with an opportunity to benefit from the contributory health scheme despite prevailing economic challenges. According to him, the collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health and its agencies is considered a great honour.
Deacon Taralayefa also commended the State Governor for sustaining the scheme and acknowledged the former administration that initiated it, noting that its continuity reflects the government’s genuine concern for the wellbeing of the people.
Also speaking, a representative of the Edward Ederaine Foundation, Charity Tuvwe, said the foundation had recorded several instances where residents were unable to access healthcare during emergencies. She explained that although a health centre exists in the community, it is currently non-functional, forcing residents to travel long distances to seek medical attention.
Mrs. Tuvwe expressed optimism that the sponsorship of 100 indigent persons under the health insurance scheme would significantly improve access to healthcare and enhance the overall wellbeing of residents of Umiaghwa community.