The Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr. Vetty Agala, has reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to prioritising the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations in the state through the programme’s equity initiatives and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Dr. Agala, gave the assurance on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, while receiving the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Rivers State Chapter, AIM MNCNH Champions, who paid her an advocacy visit at her office.
She disclosed that the state government has made provisions through the Equity Fund to cater to the healthcare needs of vulnerable groups, adding that efforts are ongoing to expand enrollment into the state health insurance scheme.
“We are trying all our possible best using the resources at our disposal to enroll all vulnerables persons into the State health insurance program. The governor has given us express powers to operate without encumbrances,” she said.
Also see: World Bank Cancel $717m Power Sector Loan Balance
Dr. Agala further noted that the agency is intensifying efforts to ensure that pregnant women enrolled in the programme have safe deliveries, as part of measures to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates in the state.
Earlier, the State Lead of MWAN, Dr. Cecilia Nwibubasa, commended RIVCHPP for its robust health insurance coverage. She explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the agency to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes.
Nwibubasa also urged the agency to sustain and fully implement its existing strategies to boost enrollment and expand access to healthcare services for residents across Rivers State.
