Akpoveta pays Health Insurance premiums for 1000 indigent Deltans
*Calls on “collective responsibility” of well-meaning Deltans in supporting the needy.
By: Pat Gbemudu
The Director-General/CEO of Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, has called on all Deltans of means, nationally and in the diaspora, to imbibe the concept of Collective Responsibility especially by adopting indigent Deltans by purchasing health insurance premiums of the DSCHS for them.
The DG made the call Sunday June 9, 2024 at the flagging-off of the registration of 1,000 Indigent Deltans into the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme by his family at Ofuoma Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State..
In his speech titled “ADOPTING AND CARING FOR INDIGENTS: Supporting the Needy – The Beauty of Collective Responsibility”, Dr. Akpoveta, who noted that good health is the very first need of humans, disclosed that he and his immediate family, including those in the diaspora, decided to enrich the lives of some vulnerable and indigent persons in and around his community of Ofuoma and its neighboring communities of Odovie, Emeragha, Ogbowan, Afiesere and Ughelli town as a way of supporting the needy.
According to him “Supporting others and embracing the concept of Collective Responsibility creates a powerful and positive impact on individuals and communities alike. He added that the registration is at a subsidized rate of N7,000 per person for a whole year of affordable and quality health care.
“With the insurance card they will receive quality healthcare services from any Health care facility of their choice for one year. This will surely enrich their lives, as Good Health is WEALTH, as the saying goes.
Highlighting the beauty of Collective Responsibility in his speech, the Director-General of DSCHC opined that ‘Fostering Unity and Cooperation’ was crucial to the rescue of the decline of our communities. He said collective responsibility encourages people to work together towards common goals, cultivating a sense of unity and cooperation. Adding that “this can strengthen community bonds and create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and included”, with the saying “WHEN YOU VALUE PEOPLE, PEOPLE VALUE YOU”.
The DG also harped on ‘Empowering Individuals’ noting that when people know they have the support of others, they feel more empowered to take risks, pursue their goals, and overcome challenges and such collective backing can boost confidence and resilience.
He pointed out that through collectible responsibilities we can promote social justice “by sharing responsibilities and resources, communities can address inequalities and ensure that everyone has access to opportunities and support. This can lead to more equitable outcomes and a fairer society.”
Dr. Akpoveta noted that, “Trust is a critical component of strong relationships and effective collaboration, making collective efforts more successful. He encouraged people to ‘Build Trust’ that it’s only when individuals consistently support each other, trust within the community grows.
The DG also spoke on empowering altruism in the communities, stating that “supporting others encourages altruistic behavior, which can be deeply fulfilling. Helping others not only benefits the recipients but also brings a sense of purpose and satisfaction to the helpers.”
Dr Akpoveta commended His Excellency Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for supporting the scheme and paying billions of naira for the vulnerable (maternal and children under 5 years), He said the totality of the concept of Collective Responsibility is what is encapsulated in the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the Governor’s Administration.
He said that “the Delta State Contributory Health Commission which has over 2 million Delta state residents enrolled with over 7 million encounters since inception, was established to run as a Social Health Insurance Scheme with several plans, which are: Equity Plan; Formal Plan; Informal Plan and Private Plan. It also runs Initiatives like the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative: Artisans Enrollee Adoption Initiative; Access to Finance Initiative and the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Program (TISHIP).
Presenting an award for Health Insurance Ambassador to Dr. Akpoveta and his family, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. David Kojovo, commended the commission for their initiatives, lauding their commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage, which is one of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Also present at the occasion was a representative of the President General (PG) of Ofuoma Community, Comrade Godfrey Etabuko, Delta State Chairman of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN/TUC, Comrade Bolum Martin Nwachukwu.
