The Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr. Vetty Agala, has described Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s directive for the operationalisation of the state’s health insurance scheme as a major step that offers renewed hope to Rivers residents through improved access to quality healthcare.
Dr. Agala made the remark while receiving the leadership of the Rivers State Council of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) at the RIVCHPP office in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
She described nurses as critical stakeholders in the healthcare delivery system, noting that they play a central role in determining the quality of services received by RIVCHPP enrollees at healthcare facilities across the state.
According to her, the success of the health insurance programme depends largely on healthcare providers, including nurses, doctors and other medical personnel, who interact directly with beneficiaries.
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Dr. Agala disclosed that Governor Fubara had directed the enrolment of healthcare workers into the RIVCHPP scheme free of charge in recognition of their contributions to the health sector. She, however, expressed concern over the low level of participation by health workers, revealing that only about 3,000 had enrolled so far.
She urged the leadership of NANNM to mobilise its members to register for the scheme, stressing that the initiative is not only a welfare package but also an investment aimed at improving workers’ productivity and strengthening the state’s economy.
The RIVCHPP boss also appealed to healthcare workers to demonstrate professionalism by treating enrollees with respect and compassion while avoiding extortion, negligence and other unethical practices.
Earlier, Chairman of the Rivers State Council of NANNM, Comrade Lemii Christian, commended Dr. Agala for her leadership of the agency and praised the progress recorded in expanding health insurance coverage across the state.
He described nurses as the primary drivers of the scheme at the facility level and called for stronger collaboration between RIVCHPP and the association to boost enrolment, advocacy and grassroots feedback.
Comrade Christian also appreciated Governor Fubara for approving the free enrolment of healthcare workers into the scheme and pledged that the association would mobilise nurses who are yet to register to take advantage of the opportunity.
