The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has made equity contributions to the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), directing the extension of health insurance coverage to 50,000 additional residents of Rivers state including households affected by flooding, other vulnerable persons and public primary school pupils across the state.
Executive Secretary of the RIVCHPP, Dr.Vetty Agala, disclosed this while speaking to news men shortly after the Agency’s 3rd Quarter management Review meeting at her office in Porthacourt on Friday.
She noted that through the state equity contributions, the state government under the leadership of Fubara, seeks to strengthen the implementation of RIVCHPP and expand the health insurance coverage, particularly among vulnerable populations who may otherwise face financial barriers to accessing healthcare.
The RIVCHPP boss also said the directive by the Governor to extend coverage to flood victims is part of the State Government’s response to the impact of flooding on affected communities, which recognises the need to address not only the immediate humanitarian consequences of the disaster, but also the healthcare needs of displaced and financially distressed households.
“The directive by the Governor for the extension of coverage to public primary school pupils also represents an important step towards improving access to healthcare among children, supporting their wellbeing and promoting a healthier school-age population across Rivers State”, she stated.
The Governor’s initiative aligns with his broader objective of advancing universal health coverage in Rivers State through his health4allRivers vision by ensuring that more residents, especially vulnerable households and children, are protected against the financial hardship associated with accessing healthcare.
- Oruigoni is the Information/Public Relations Officer, RIVCHPP.