BY EBI NIEKETIEN
THIRTY years ago, Delta Printing and Publishing Corporation (DPPC), publishers of The Pointer Newspaper, was birthed with a vision of delivering quality news stories to the nooks and crannies of Delta State. Three decades later, that vision is still running and going strong.
Since its founding in 1994, The Pointer has been the state’s foremost newspaper, providing readers with accurate, insightful, and timely reporting on the issues that matter to them.
Over the past three decades, The Pointer has evolved from a local newspaper into a trusted and reliable source of news that resonates across borders. It has consistently found ways to stay relevant in an ever-evolving and competitive media industry. As The Pointer celebrates this milestone, it has set out to recognize individuals whose contributions have left a lasting legacy in the state.
It is no surprise that one of the individuals to be honoured is a renowned and distinguished Medical Practitioner and the Director General, Delta State Contributory Health Scheme (DSCHS), Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta. In the healthcare sector, few individuals embody the spirit of commitment and dedication. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Akpoveta has made significant contributions to the medical field and transformed healthcare delivery in the state, with his extensive experience in state and national health insurance, dating back to 2003.
His unwavering commitment to health insurance has made him a leading figure in medical practice and health administration. Little wonder he was bestowed with the chieftaincy title, as the Avwerosuor and the Oboroyibo R’Ode (The Royal Physician) of Ughelli Kingdom. Born in Ughelli, Delta State, Dr. Akpoveta’s journey into the medical field was nothing short of inspiring. He pursued his medical education at the prestigious College of Medicine, University of Lagos over four decades ago, and graduated with (MBBS), Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and he is a multiple Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), the Association of Nigeria Private Medical Practitioners, the Institute for Healthcare Finance and Management (FIHFM), and the Institute of Chartered Management Consultants (FICMC).
Dr. Akpoveta is a Distinguished Medical Practitioner (DMP), a World Health Organization (W.H.O.) Certified Health System Management Consultant, a double Harvard Alumnus, an international member of the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP), and a member of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA). He is also a distinction holder in Time Management of the London Graduate School (TM-London) and a certified Health Economist of the Middlesex University, London. In 2015, Dr. Akpoveta headed a Technical Working Committee, set up by then Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi OKowa, to midwife the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Commission bill passed into law, of which he was named Chairman, Governing Board of the Commission. As the current Director-General of the Commission, he has initiated policies that have prioritized primary healthcare, and provided essential medical services across the state, especially in rural areas often neglected by larger health systems.
His hands-on approach has allowed him to identify the pressing health challenges individuals face, ranging from maternal and child health to internal medicine, diabetes management, hypertension management, surgical procedures, lymphoma treatment, appendix removal, and basic general surgeries. With over two million enrollees so far, the scheme has revitalized, and transformed the landscape of healthcare services in the state, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations receive quality healthcare
Initiatives such as the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative, the Artisan Enrollee Inducement Initiative, and the Tertiary Institution Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP), have ensured that the vulnerable in society have quality access to medical services without facing financial hardship. Under his leadership, the DSCHS has made sure that pregnant women are adequately catered for, from their pregnancy stage to delivery, including possible C-sections, as well as the healthcare needs of children from birth to five years. This intervention has significantly reduced maternal and child mortality rates.
As an astute administrator, Dr. Akpoveta understands that achieving substantial health improvements requires collaboration. That was why he has called for increased collaborations among stakeholders and partners in the healthcare sector as the state continues its drive towards achieving inclusive healthcare for all Deltans.
His exceptional contributions to the medical field have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and accolades, recognizing his dedication and innovative approaches to healthcare. His efforts have been celebrated by various health organizations and government bodies, highlighting his role as a leader in health policy, insurance, and management. His ability to inspire and motivate those around him has created a positive work environment within the Delta State health sector. He encourages continuous learning and professional development, fostering a culture of excellence among healthcare professionals.
As Dr. Akpoveta continues to lead the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme, his vision for the future remains clear, to create a robust healthcare system and provide affordable healthcare service to all Deltans, particularly those in the very rural communities. His legacy is not only defined by his accomplishments but also by the positive changes he has inspired in the healthcare landscape of Delta State.
In honoring Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, (The Royal Physician), we celebrate a remarkable medical practitioner and leader whose contributions to healthcare have left an indelible mark on Delta State and beyond. His unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and strengthening health systems serves as an inspiration for current and future generations of healthcare professionals.
Dr. Akpoveta’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and visionary leadership in transforming healthcare for the better. As we recognize his achievements, we also look forward to the continued positive impact he will undoubtedly have on the lives of Deltans in the years to come.
