The Rivers State Government has called on residents to prioritise their health by enrolling in the State’s Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP).
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement and enrollment awareness town hall meeting at Eleme Local Government Area, Senior Special Assistant to the Sole Administrator on Health, Professor Chituru Orluwene, said the initiative was designed to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.
Prof. Orluwene lamented that many Nigerians work hard but neglect their health, often seeking medical care only when their conditions deteriorate.
“The government introduced this scheme to make access to healthcare easier. Too often, people go to hospitals and find no drugs, doctors, or health personnel. By revitalising our secondary health facilities, we are ensuring hospitals work at their optimal capacity,” he said.
He added that health is costly, stressing that preventive care through the programme would save lives and reduce financial burdens on families.
The Executive Secretary of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, explained that the programme was set up by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration to provide quality healthcare to all, especially the elderly, children, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
“More than 1,700 people are already benefitting. Once registered, access to health services is free of charge. Without this scheme, many families would continue to sink into poverty due to medical bills,” Dr. Agala stated.
She noted that registration costs a minimum of ₦15,000, while the government also subsidises access for the most vulnerable groups.
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The Administrator of Eleme LGA, Dr. Gloria Dibia, pledged the council’s full support, announcing that her administration would sponsor the enrollment of about 2,000 residents, beginning with an initial batch of 100.
“Health is wealth. We must work together to ensure our people remain healthy. This programme will improve the well-being of Eleme people, and we will intensify sensitisation to ensure more residents embrace it,” Dr. Dibia assured.
Highlighting the scheme’s impact, Eleme Health Medical Officer, Dr. Alex Woke, shared the case of a woman who recently underwent a cesarean delivery and neonatal care free of charge under the programme.
The Rivers State Government said it would continue to expand the scheme across all local government areas until every resident has access to affordable healthcare.
