RSG To Provide Affordable Health Through Insurance

Rivers State Government has declared its intention to provide adequate health coverage for citizens through an effective and efficient health insurance.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, gave the indication when she declared open a three-day workshop on Rivers State Contributory Health Protection programme, Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Oreh said the administration of Sir. Siminalayi Fubara is poised to ensure that all citizens of the state have access to health care through a health insurance scheme that will cover the rich and the poor.
Lauding the State Assembly for passage of the health insurance bill into law since 2020, the Commissioner stated that what Fubara’s administration wants to achieve is to drive the process through a public and private partnership.
She urged all stakeholders to support the process, saying that all necessary survey and data have been gathered to make the programme a success.
“The schedule will provide opportunities for those who can’t afford health through equity funding…And we don’t want to leave anyone behind”, she said.
Earlier, Acting Director of Health Insurance, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vetty Agala, stated that over the years, the State has been putting the necessary facilities on ground for the smooth commencement of the scheme.
She stated that the past administration of Chief Nyesom Wike in the State laid foundation by building and upgrading health facilities both at the primary and secondary health care, as these will help in driving an effective health insurance.
Agala said what is needed now is synergy, collaboration and public sensitisation, adding that the workshop is geared towards schooling and mobilising stakeholders for the final implementation.
House Committee Chairman on Health, Hon. Adol Orubienimigha, expressed happiness that at last a dream conceived and passed by the legislator is coming to reality.
Orubienimigha commended the programme, and assured the readiness of the House to ensure that the Ministry gets adequate funding and other necessary support to make it one of the best in the country.

By: Kevin Nengia