BY: JUMAI NWACHUKWU
ENGENDERING the mandate set by the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration to ensure that every Deltan, irrespective of status, location or ethnicity gets unfettered access to quality healthcare, the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) has again enrolled 295 Persons living With Disability (PWD) into the health insurance scheme. The adoption of the PWDs was sponsored by the Director-General of the DSCHC, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta.
According to Akpoveta, the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI) programme was designed to provide health insurance coverage to indigent individuals, including those living with disabilities, providing them with much-needed lifeline and enabling them access to essential health services without financial strain. “This enrollment drive is a testament to the DSCHC’s dedication to leaving no one behind. By prioritizing the health needs of PWDs, the Commission is promoting inclusivity, equity, and social justice. This initiative will not only improve the health outcomes of these vulnerable individuals but also enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.”
The Director-General, who stressed the need to support and embrace the concept of collective responsibility, which created an overall positive impact on individuals as well as communities, also harped on the benefits of the health insurance to PWDs.
Akpoveta explained that with their enrollment and issuance of their health insurance card, they would no doubt receive quality healthcare services from any healthcare facility of their choice. While calling for continuous collaboration from wellmeaning Deltans and corporate bodies, he commended the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for sustaining and driving the process in ensuring that Deltans get the best of health services which is encapsulated as his MORE Agenda.
Giving his remarks, the Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons Living With Disability (JONAPWD), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Ernest Igbuzor, noted that the enrollment of 295 beneficiaries into the health insurance scheme, has again given them a sense of belonging. Igbuzor, who expressed optimism that more persons with disabilities will be enrolled into the scheme, commended the state government and the contributory health commission for the initiative. Meanwhile, it was recalled that the Executive of JONAPWD had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, to appeal to the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission on the need to extend the Delta State health insurance to Persons living With Disabilities (PWDs). He therefore expressed joy at the quick response of Dr. Akpoveta.