By Onomiguren Onomiguren
The Director General, and Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Contributory Health Commission, ( DSCHC) Chief (Dr.) Isaac Akpoveta, has revealed that the state Governor, Sheriff Oborewvori, had directed that with effect from January 1, 2026, no pregnant woman should be made to pay any money for treatment under the guise of registration until delivery.
The Director General, who disclosed this during a media chat at his office in Asaba on the achievements of the state governor in the health contributory sector of the state in the outgoing year, also stated that free medical care for children under five would be fully enforced .
He warned that sanctions would be melted on any erring medical personnel caught collecting money for treatment from pregnant women, saying that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had been funding the medical bills of pregnant women and children under 5 which according to him are in the equity plan
Chief Akpoveta attributed all the successes of the health contributory sector to the state governor for his strong political will and sustainable financial support backing the health sector in ensuring that every household has access to better health in the state.
The Chief Executive Officer, noted that the State Contributory Health Scheme was officially launched on January 1, 2017, but gained renewed momentum due to continuity in leadership, which he described as rare in public service.
Akpoveta hinted that the state Contributory Health Scheme is ranked first in Nigeria in health insurance enrollment, with over 2.7 million enrollees, making Delta the leading state in health insurance coverage nationwide.
He said the scheme now operates across the entire state, including rural and hard-to-reach communities where some residents had never previously accessed medical care.
The DG also explained how the commission had advanced into digital technology to promote transparency and eliminate fraud, verifying beneficiaries through facial recognition technology before receiving treatment to ensure that only registered enrollees benefit from the scheme.
He further disclosed that special health insurance units were being established in major hospitals, with dedicated doctors, to reduce waiting time and complaints among beneficiaries.
Akpoveta noted that the scheme had contributed to a significant reduction in maternal and child mortality in Delta State and had received recognition at both national and international levels.
He, however, called on corporate organizations, individuals, and development partners to support through their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
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