Delta State Commissioner for Health Announces Ambitious Goal to Expand Health Coverage
ASABA/Nigeria: In a bold move to mark Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s 100 days in office, Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, has unveiled an ambitious plan to enroll an additional 100,000 individuals into the State Contributory Health Scheme. Dr. Onojaeme made this groundbreaking announcement during a live broadcast to the people of Delta State, emphasizing the goal of enhancing access to healthcare in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to improve health and well-being for all citizens.
Under this initiative, Dr. Onojaeme revealed that for just N7,000, individuals can secure comprehensive health insurance coverage for an entire year. He explained, “What this means is that once you are registered with the contributory health scheme with the sum of N7,000, you will enjoy free primary and secondary healthcare, including free surgeries like Appendectomy, Herniorrhaphy (hernia operation), and other minor surgeries for an entire year, after which you are expected to renew.”
Highlighting the State Government’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens, Dr. Onojaeme reminded the public that children under 5 years and pregnant women are already covered for free medical care, encompassing services like caesarean sections and other maternal complications.
The Commissioner called upon the generosity of good-spirited individuals, philanthropists, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political office holders to sponsor their constituents and followers, enabling them to access free primary and secondary healthcare.
Dr. Onojaeme further disclosed that he had personally registered one thousand persons into the scheme through the informal sector, emphasizing the significant impact this endeavor will have on improving access to free healthcare in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Delta State is currently at the forefront of contributory health insurance in the nation, boasting more than 1,441,109 enrollees. Of this number, 1,261,806 are covered under the equity plan, which includes pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under five. According to the Commissioner, as of July 31, 2023, the formal sector accounts for 158,462 enrollees, while the informal sector contributes approximately 20,841 enrollees. Children under 5 account for 769,367 enrollees, maternal enrollees stand at 492,174, and the elderly are represented by 265 enrollees.
