Over 300 Indigent residents have been registered into the health insurance scheme of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) as part of efforts to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare across the state.
The registration exercises were carried out on Tuesday under the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI) at two locations — Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area, and Umiaghwa Village in Okpe Local Government Area.
At Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry, 250 indigent beneficiaries, largely staff of the ministry, were enrolled, while 100 pupils of Umiaghwa Primary School were registered in Umiaghwa community.
Speaking at the events, the Director-General of the DSCHC, Dr Isaac Akpoveta, represented by the Director of ICT, Planning, Resource and Statistics, Mr Emmanuel Akpofure, said the growing enrolment through the IEAI demonstrated increased commitment by individuals and organisations to social responsibility.
“The Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative continues to reflect the spirit of philanthropy among well-meaning Nigerians at home and in the diaspora who are passionate about improving access to healthcare,” Akpoveta said.
He disclosed that the enrolment of the 250 beneficiaries in Effurun was sponsored by Chief Hon. Deacon Ebegha Taralayefa, while the registration of the 100 pupils in Umiaghwa was sponsored by the Edward Ederaine Foundation.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the state government’s objective of achieving universal health coverage under the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
“Our goal is to ensure that residents do not have to sell their properties or experience financial hardship before accessing medical care,” he stated, while commending the sponsors for their commitment to affordable healthcare.
In his remarks, Deacon Taralayefa said his decision to sponsor the beneficiaries was driven by a desire to give back to society. He described the General Overseer of Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry, Apostle Jeremiah Fufeyin, as a committed philanthropist with a strong record of humanitarian service.
“Partnering with the Delta State Government is a privilege, especially considering the visible infrastructural and socio-economic development across the state,” he said.
Taralayefa also commended the state government for sustaining the health insurance scheme, noting that its continuity since inception showed genuine concern for the wellbeing of the people.
Also speaking, a representative of the Edward Ederaine Foundation, Mrs Charity Tuvwe, said the foundation was motivated by the healthcare challenges faced by residents of Umiaghwa community.
“We have witnessed several cases where people could not access medical care during emergencies. Although there is a health centre here, it is currently not functional, forcing residents to travel long distances for treatment,” she explained.
She expressed hope that enrolling 100 indigent persons under the health insurance scheme would significantly improve healthcare access and enhance the wellbeing of residents in the community.
