By Anne Azuka
The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr. Isaac Akpoveta on Wednesday disclosed that the State Government through the scheme pays for over 300 caesarean sections monthly for women across the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by members of the Asaba Correspondent Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists ( NUJ), Delta State Council, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta stated, “If you do cesarean section in a private hospital, you will pay N300,000 to N500, 000 then multiply it by 300 for every month.
He explained that the state government through the scheme augments the medical bills of over 2 million persons who registered under the scheme across the state.
According to Dr. Akpoveta, ” Since we started operations in January 2017 till date, we have enrolled quite over 35 percent of Deltans into the scheme which is the highest of any state in the country.
“Delta State is number one in every parameter of health insurance in the country.
“I can tell you that we cover the bills of over 300 cesarean sections monthly at a cost of over N500,000 but it has been a silent activity of the government that people are not aware of”.
He also disclosed that the state has continued to ensure children under the age of 0-5 years old under the scheme receive medical care at no cost, stating that, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is passionate and committed to ensuring vulnerable persons are protected.
” I am glad that you mentioned that the yearly fee of N7,000 for health insurance is little compared to the huge financial burden on medical care but this is possible because the government has been subsidizing.
“In 2016, when we did the accrual determination of how much should cover an individual healthcare in a year; it was about 18, 000. By now, it would be higher but the government of Delta State under Sheriff Oborevwori believes in taking care of its people”, he noted.
During the facility tour of the complex, Dr. Akpoveta posited that the facilities available were a testament to the investment put in place to ensure the smooth running of the scheme.
While emphasizing the commitment of the state government to continuously deliver quality healthcare to residents, he called on well-meaning Deltans to support the scheme by adopting and buying health insurance fees for indigents across the state.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of Asaba Correspondent Chapel, Mr. Ifeanyi Olannye lauded the Government for its bid to provide quality healthcare at little cost to Delta, saying that with the economic realities for today; a fee of N5,000 for medical services for a year is unbelievable.
He further lauded the extension for the enlistment of students of the state-owned tertiary institutions into the scheme.
” Your passion to save lives and ensure a healthy living among citizens of the state is in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori”, he stated.
