THE Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Health Monitoring, Dr. Michael Nwoko has said that enrollment into the Delta State Health Insurance Scheme guarantees access to quality and affordable health care.
Nwoko made this known while addressing the press after being conducted round the Government Hospital, Isheagu, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State by the Medical Director in charge of the hospital as part of the 2021 monitoring rounds of the Health Monitoring Office.
He said, “It is imperative for all residents of the State to enroll into the State Health Insurance Scheme and enjoy access to quality and affordable health care.
“It is on record that Delta State is the first State in the country to officially launch its Health insurance scheme while some other states have followed suit. Therefore, all residents in the State should avail themselves of the opportunity to enroll and enjoy the benefit packages,” he said.
Nwoko further disclosed that one of the main objectives of the Health Monitoring Office is to bridge the gap between the enrollees of the Health Insurance Scheme and the health care providers in order to ensure that the people enjoy the benefit packages they deserve.
He and the entire Health Monitoring Team advised heads of health care facilities to engage the communities where their facilities are domiciled with a view to informing them of the laudable health care policies of Government and the need for them to key in.
While commending Governor Ifeanyi Arthur for establishing the Delta State Contributory Health Commission which has captured over 900,000 residents of the State, Nwoko advised all residents of the state who are yet to enroll to do so in order not to be shortchanged from the enormous benefits.
He highlighted the Insurance plans available to include; the equity plan (which is made up of the free maternal and 0-5 years children health care program and the free widows health care program), the Formal Sector plan (which includes the State Government work force) and the informal sector plan (which includes farmers, market women, mechanics, plumbers, barbers, traders, Keke riders etc…)
Other health care facilities visited in Delta North senatorial district include General Hospital, Ogwashi – Uku, General Hospital, Ubulu-Uku, Primary Healthcare Center, Ubulu-Uku, Primary Healthcare Center, Ogwashi – Uku, Primary Healthcare Center, Ubulu-Uno.
The Office also visited some Health care facilities in Delta Central Senatorial district – Central Hospital, Sapele, Government Hospital, Ugbevwe – Jesse, Primary Healthcare Center, Amukpe, Primary Healthcare Center, Jesse, Primary Healthcare Center, Gana and Primary Healthcare Centre, Omiemedie.
Other members of the Health Monitoring Team that moved around were Dr. Patrick Onwuachi, Dr. Kingsley Amaihunwa, Dr. Sam Efetobor and Dr. Daniel Omodon.
By Lazarus Nkwo