The monarch of Evo Kingdom in Rivers State, Eze (Dr) Leslie Eke, has thrown his weight behind the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), describing it as a laudable initiative that promises to ease residents’ access to quality healthcare without the burden of crippling out-of-pocket expenses.
The royal endorsement came on Tuesday during an advocacy visit by the management of the Rivers State Health Insurance Agency, led by its Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Vetty Agala, to the monarch’s palace in Woji Town.
Speaking during the interactive session, leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom commended the state government for making the health insurance scheme functional, noting that it represents a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in the state.
The monarch and his cabinet, however, called for intensified sensitisation and stronger collaboration with community leaderships across the state to deepen awareness and ensure that those who need the scheme most are adequately captured.
While applauding the initiative, members of the community expressed concern over what they described as poor services in some primary healthcare centres. They stressed the urgent need to strengthen primary health facilities to enable residents fully benefit from the programme and other health policies of the state government.
The Evo people also expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for prioritising the health sector and assured the RIVCHPP management of their readiness to key into the scheme.
Among those who spoke at the event were Ruwhuoma Nnodi Paul, Queen Obunezi Eke, Mrs Sylverline O. Ejims, Rev. Dr Margaret Mbu, Chief Samuel Owoh and Dr Stanley Amadi.
Earlier, Dr Agala outlined the structure, benefits and operational framework of the RIVCHPP, assuring the community that services rendered through accredited facilities are of high standard and accessible to all residents.
She also addressed concerns about the sustainability of the scheme, maintaining that the programme is designed as a long-term intervention to guarantee that Rivers residents can access quality healthcare services without heavy financial strain.
The RIVCHPP boss expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara and the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, for their commitment to the health and wellbeing of residents. She urged all residents of the state to enrol in the scheme and take advantage of its benefits.
The visit featured the presentation of RIVCHPP kits and informational materials to the monarch and members of his cabinet.
