The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of all residents and citizens of Rivers State.
According to the agency, good health is the foundation upon which all human endeavors are built.
Chairman of the RIVCHPP Board, Prof. Chike Princewill, made this known during a press briefing at the conclusion of the Board’s inaugural retreat and meeting held on Today, in Port Harcourt.
Prof. Princewill revealed that over 110,000 residents have already been enrolled in the scheme and are currently accessing healthcare services across the state.
He reiterated the Board’s determination to expand universal health coverage, urging more Rivers residents to enroll in the programme to benefit from its offerings.
He commended the Executive Secretary, RIVECHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, for her dedication and the significant progress made by the agency under her leadership.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access, Prof. Princewill announced that RIVCHPP is set to onboard additional private healthcare facilities and will also partner with general hospitals across the state to provide secondary care services to enrollees.
He called on all healthcare providers affiliated with RIVCHPP to maintain professionalism, empathy, and respect in their dealings with enrollees.
The agency, he noted, has put mechanisms in place to monitor and ensure service providers uphold the highest standards of conduct and service delivery.
Prof. Princewill also emphasized the importance of the National Identification Number (NIN) for enrollment into the scheme.
He stated that the agency will collaborate with local councils to help residents obtain their NINs with ease, saying to that the NIN is now a mandatory requirement for participation in the programme, and that those who fail to provide a valid NIN risk being de-enrolled from the scheme.
The Board Chairman took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ibok-Ette Ekwe Ibas, for inaugurating the Board, and also to past Governors of the State for their roles in establishing the agency.
He also confirmed that RIVCHPP is working in close partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which has mandated the use of NIN for effective data capturing and integration.
- Idanye Oruigoni is Head, Information/Media, RIVCHPP
