By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) has renewed its partnership with traditional rulers across the state, unveiling members of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council as Health Insurance Ambassadors in a renewed push to deepen grassroots access to affordable healthcare.
The high-level advocacy and engagement meeting, held in Asaba on Wednesday, brought together monarchs from the 25 local government areas of the state as the Commission sought stronger collaboration from traditional institutions to drive enrolment into the state health insurance scheme.
Director-General of the Commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, said the engagement marked a significant milestone coming 12 years after the Commission first embarked on advocacy visits to traditional rulers across Delta North, Delta Central and Delta South senatorial districts.
According to him, the support and guidance received from the monarchs during those early consultations played a major role in expanding the reach of the scheme to communities across the state.
“About 12 years ago, we went round the state meeting traditional rulers in Delta North in Asaba, Delta Central in Olomu and Delta South at Government House, Asaba. We sought their advice, guidance and support, and they bought into the scheme wholeheartedly,” he said.
“That advocacy helped us tremendously in reaching almost every corner of Delta State. Today, we have come back to give them updates on the progress made and to appreciate them for their support over the years.”
Dr. Akpoveta disclosed that from zero enrolment at inception, the Commission has now recorded about 2.88 million registered beneficiaries under the health insurance scheme, describing the achievement as a major breakthrough in the state’s healthcare sector.
He said the scheme has particularly impacted vulnerable groups, including children under five years, pregnant women, elderly persons aged 65 years and above, and persons living with disabilities, many of whom are enrolled free of charge in line with the law establishing the Commission.
“It is an inclusive policy of government. The MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is anchored on inclusivity and ensuring that every Deltan has access to quality and affordable healthcare,” he stated.
“We informed the traditional rulers that they and their family members have been onboarded into the scheme free of charge. Every person aged 65 and above in their communities, as well as children under five, are also entitled to free registration. This is government policy backed by law, and we are implementing it faithfully.”
The Director-General said the interventions of the Commission have contributed significantly to reductions in maternal and child mortality rates, improved healthcare access and enhanced life expectancy across the state.
He noted that despite challenges such as inadequate awareness in some rural communities, funding limitations and infrastructural gaps, the Commission remained committed to ensuring universal health coverage for all residents.
Dr. Akpoveta further urged the traditional rulers to convene meetings with their chiefs and community leaders to intensify sensitisation efforts at the grassroots level.
According to him, such engagements would help mobilise more residents into the scheme and ensure wider community participation.
“If a kingdom has 22 communities and each community sends representatives to meetings in the palace, those representatives will return home and educate their people on the benefits of the scheme. The traditional rulers have promised to support us in this direction,” he added.
The Commission also introduced an electronic identity card initiative designed to improve access to healthcare services and ensure seamless identification of beneficiaries within the scheme.
Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Austin Obidi, assured that awareness campaigns would be intensified across the state to sustain the gains already achieved.
He stressed that the Commission was determined to ensure that no Deltan, particularly vulnerable citizens in rural communities, was left behind in accessing healthcare services.
In their remarks, several traditional rulers commended the initiative and applauded the state government for sustaining the health insurance programme.
Among them were the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Major General Felix Mujakperuo (retd.), Orhue I, and His Royal Majesty Simpson Sapele, who pledged continued support toward mobilising their subjects to embrace the scheme.
They described the programme as a life-saving intervention capable of reducing the financial burden of healthcare on ordinary citizens while improving public health outcomes across Delta State.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards recognising members of the Traditional Rulers Council as Health Insurance Ambassadors in appreciation of their commitment to promoting quality healthcare delivery and expanding health insurance coverage at the grassroots.