31st August, 2017
Delta Government says it has enrolled over 71,000 pregnant women and children under five years in the State’s Contributory Health Scheme as at July 31.
Dr. Ben Nkechika, the Director-General, Delta State Contributory Health Commission, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Asaba, said that the scheme commenced in the state on the Jan. 1.
He said that the commencement of premium contribution and inclusion of the formal sector group started in August to ensure conclusion of the programme and ensure enrollees started to receive healthcare services.
According to Nkechika, it became necessary to clear insinuations regarding the scheme following the commencement of deduction of premium contribution.
The Scheme starred Jan. 1, with pregnant women and children under five years of age who are the most vulnerable members of the society.
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“As at July 31, over 71,000 pregnant women and children under five years have been enrolled and are receiving service under the scheme in Delta State Government healthcare facilities.
“Based on the programme established for the scheme, commencement of premium contribution and inclusion of the formal sector group started in August to enable conclusion of the enrollment process,” he said.
The Director-General also said that uploading of Bio Data of Public servants had started and validation of this data and registration of their entitled family members would follow immediately.
He said that the inclusion of the informal sector group would also start in September with their registration and payment of premium.
“Enrollees that complete their registration process will be allocated to the accredited Public or Private Hospital chosen by them from the list of accredited healthcare facilities.
“This will enable them to start receiving healthcare service in these healthcare facilities.
“The Premium amount for the scheme has been actually considered to ensure that the benefit package adopted for the scheme will be affordable and accommodate a good part of the State disease burden,” he said.
Nkechika said that the processes and activities for the implementation of the scheme would be continuously monitored to enhance its effectiveness in meeting the healthcare need of every resident of the state irrespective of his or her socioeconomic status.
According to him, the commission will continue to enhance its advocacy programmess across the state.
“We plead that all residents of Delta State should embrace the scheme for its significant benefits.
“We the commission will do our best to ensure the smooth operation of the scheme and for the benefit of all,” he said.