HoS Commends RIVCHPP On Achievements

Management of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has been commended for the significant progress recorded within its relatively short period of operation.

The Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, Dr. Inyingi S. I. Brown, gave the commendation while receiving a delegation from RIVCHPP, led by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Vetty Agala, during a courtesy visit to her office in Port Harcourt.

Dr. Brown applauded the programme’s performance and charged its management to raise the bar by striving for a first-place ranking in the next national healthcare performance assessment.

She noted that the programme’s current 12th position does not reflect the status and vast potential of Rivers State.

She assured the delegation that a presentation would be made to the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to seek approval for the implementation of critical healthcare policies aimed at strengthening service delivery.

The HoS emphasized the importance of unbundling workers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), describing it as a crucial step towards improving eligibility and access to quality healthcare for residents of the State.

On office accommodation, Dr. Brown pledged to provide all feasible support within her capacity towards securing a befitting office complex for RIVCHPP, preferably a dedicated facility solely occupied by the organisation.

She directed the Director of Administration in her office to ensure that RIVCHPP is furnished with the required nominal rolls from MDAs to facilitate effective and seamless registration processes.

Dr. Brown expressed concern over the proliferation of fake and counterfeit drugs in some health facilities, particularly in rural communities.

She cited a personal observation in Finima Town, Bonny Local Government Area, where she noted instances of unprofessional conduct by health personnel towards patients.

She also underscored the need for sustained sensitization campaigns in rural areas to promote registration for the National Identity Number (NIN), advocating collaboration with the Traditional Rulers Council to enhance grassroots engagement.

The Head of Service advised civil servants in the State to take their health more seriously in order to reduce incidents of sudden health emergencies and related fatalities.

Earlier, Dr. Agala had explained that the visit was to congratulate the Head of Service on her appointment as substantive Head of Service and to reaffirm the agency’s solidarity and support.

She disclosed that over 20,000 retirees have been enrolled in the health scheme, with total enrolment across the State currently standing at about 145,000 beneficiaries.

Dr. Agala highlighted key challenges confronting the programme, which, she said, include inadequate office accommodation, limited access to nominal rolls from MDAs, and the urgent need to unbundle both MDAs and the health sector to enhance operational efficiency.

She commended the Head of Service for her longstanding support to RIVCHPP and called on Local Government Authorities and traditional rulers to support the scheme for improved community-wide impact.

She assured that the management of RIVCHPP would continue to uphold transparency, accountability and high productivity in the discharge of its mandate.

In a vote of thanks, the Director of Administration, Office of the Head of Service, Rivers State, Mr. Chimenum Mpi, appreciated the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the Head of Service to support the growth and expansion of RIVCHPP.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of souvenirs by Dr. Vetty Agala to the Head of Service.

• Godam is an Information and Public Relations Officer, Office of the Head of Service.