BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, has expressed his joy as Deltans in the diaspora have begun to support the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI).
Speaking during the enrollment of 150 vulnerable individuals sponsored by U.S.-based entrepreneur, Mr. Godwin Elumelu in Onicha-Uku, in Aniocha- North Local Government Area Delta State, Dr. Akpoveta described the growing participation of diaspora residents as a major breakthrough in ensuring healthcare access for the less privileged.
“I am pleased that this call for support has extended beyond Nigeria. Our brothers and sisters abroad are now responding, sending funds home to enroll their loved ones, including those who cannot afford quality healthcare,” he stated.
Dr. Akpoveta lauded Mr. Godwin Elumelu’s generosity, calling his sponsorship of 150 vulnerable residents a remarkable act of goodwill. “It is heartwarming to see people living far away remembering their roots and taking action to improve the lives of others. I truly appreciate this gesture from Godwin Elumelu, a committed philanthropist who has shown great dedication to this cause,” he said.
Reiterating the importance of health insurance, Dr. Akpoveta emphasized that good health is the greatest gift anyone can give. “You can give someone food, but if they are sick, they won’t be able to eat. However, when you provide access to healthcare, you empower them to take care of themselves. Good health translates to wealth,” he stressed.
Commending the Delta State Government’s commitment to healthcare, Dr. Akpoveta highlighted ongoing improvements in hospitals across the state. “If you visit hospitals in Delta today, you will see significant renovations and modern equipment. I have personally toured all 11 medical zones, engaging healthcare providers on the importance of delivering quality, efficient, and effective care under this scheme. They are fully committed to it,” he assured.
He also acknowledged the government’s recent approval and release of ₦1 billion to fund free healthcare for under-five children and pregnant women across Delta State. He assured that the funds have been disbursed to hospitals, ensuring that all pregnant women in Delta can access free antenatal care, delivery (whether natural birth or C-section), and postnatal care—fully covered by the government. “No woman should suffer financial hardship while bringing a child into the world,” he affirmed.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsor, Mr. Paul Elumelu, who represented his brother Godwin Elumelu, noted that healthcare remains a significant challenge for the community. “Many struggle to access medical care due to high treatment costs. Seeing this difficulty, I decided to invest in their healthcare to ease this burden,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the community for their support of the scheme and thanked state health officials for facilitating the enrollment process.
Also present at the event, the Medical Director of the community healthcare facility, Dr. David Ebigide, applauded the state government for backing the initiative. “Our facility is up to the task. We provide a wide range of healthcare services at the secondary care level. If any cases exceed our capacity, they will be referred to tertiary facilities where patients can continue receiving care under the scheme,” he assured.
With growing participation from diaspora Deltans and continuous government investment, the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative is gaining momentum, ensuring that more vulnerable residents receive the healthcare they desperately need.
