Executives of the Oganishu Umu Ogbekenu Foundation in Onicha Olona, an agrarian community in Aniocha North local government area, purchased 100 health insurance premiums for its indigenes, under the auspices of the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission.
The executives of the Foundation were presented with the identity cards issued to the enrollees, for onward transmission to the recipients, by the Director-General of the commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, in Onicha Olona, a rural community nestled in Aniocha North local government area of the state.
It was an auspicious moment when the Director-General of the Foundation, Mr. Anthony Chukwugozi, received the cards from Dr. Isaac Akpoveta.
Dr. Akpoveta who was greatly excited at the addition of the 100 persons to the scheme as strategies to extend the healthcare initiative to the local people, told the Foundation Executives in the community that the scheme which was initiated by former governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, is aimed at reaching all Deltans and as a result, save as many lives as possible.
In a speech delivered at the community ground, Dr. Akpoveta told the people that the Oganishu Foundation has set a shining example for all other communities to follow, by keying into the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative of the commission.
He said the purchase of the health insurance premium for 100 community members was in response to the commission’s call to all people of goodwill to key into the initiative and rescue vulnerable members of the society.
The Director General noted that the action of the Foundation is a demonstration of profound empathy and tangible commitment to the well-being of “our people”.
He added that the initiative aims to ensure that every resident of the state, regardless of socio-economic status, has access to quality healthcare. He said it is heartwarming to see the spirit of solidarity and community support exemplified by the Foundation, whose good gesture will provide essential health services to people who need them most.
The DG noted that healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental human right that must be guaranteed to all, irrespective of socio-economic and political status in society.
Dr. Akpoveta explained that since the establishment of the commission in 2016 by the former governor, it has made remarkable progress in fulfilling its mandate. He added that the scheme has implemented various programs aimed at improving access to quality healthcare across the state.
He listed some other programs he introduced since he assumed office to include; the Tertiary Institution Social Health Insurance Program (TISHIP) and the Artisan Enrollee Inducement Initiative.
He said as at the end of March 2024, “our enrollee statistics stands close to 2 million insured”. He noted that the figure is a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of Delta have placed in the commission.
The Director-General of the Oganishu foundation, Mr. Anthony Chukwugozi Mondugwe, said the plan of the foundation is to register 1000 individual community members but the 100 persons registered is to test the commission and see the fulfillment of its promises.
He said for the chairman of the board of Delta State Contributory Commission, Dr. Austin Obidi, the Director-General with his directors and staff to abandon easter celebration and visit the Onicha Olona community is a show of commitment to their duty.
He added that their people in the Diaspora are ready to assist the less privileged in the community, saying “paying N7000 for one person is less expensive than buying cows for burial ceremonies”.
Earlier, chairman of the governing board of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Austin Obidi, said the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori means more access to better healthcare to all Deltans. He said in conjunction with the hospitals management board, the commission agreed that enrollees satisfaction should be on the front burner.
Some members of the community including men and women, who spoke to journalists, commened the State Government and the management of Delta State Contribution Health Commission for the laudable Initiatives.
