By Exceed FM Health Desk
The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, RIVCHPP, says it is fast becoming one of the most improved social health insurance agencies for universal health coverage, UHC, in Nigeria.150,000 Enrollees Across 23 LGAs
The Executive Secretary/CEO of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, made the declaration on Monday, June 29, 2021, during an advocacy visit to Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola. She said the agency now has over 150,000 enrollees currently accessing care across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Agala noted that public trust was the biggest challenge at inception. “Having people trust the agency, as a government establishment, was the greatest challenge the agency had at inception, but there is now ample evidence of the people’s trust and belief in RIVCHPP,” she said.
Operational Since 2024, Law Since 2021
According to Dr. Agala, RIVCHPP became functional in 2024, though the establishment law was signed in 2021. The mandate is to ensure all residents have access to quality healthcare at all times, without suffering financial hardship from out-of-pocket payments.She said enrolling all residents aligns with the Governor’s “Rivers First” agenda and the #Health4AllRivers mantra. She urged CAPA Polytechnic management to enrol staff and students.
Expanded Family Coverage
Dr. Agala announced that the formal sector package covers a worker, a spouse, and 4 children. The age limit for benefiting children has been reviewed from 18 to 21 years.
CAPA Polytechnic Responds
Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Moses S. Neebee, represented by Deputy Rector, Dr. Aloni Clinton, said the institution is open to initiatives that provide staff and students with quality healthcare. He promised management would consider RIVCHPP’s proposal. Dr. Neebee also commended RIVCHPP for bringing quality healthcare to residents and praised Dr. Agala’s leadership and innovative policies.
The visit had representatives of ASUP, SSANIP, and NASU. Dr. Agala also presented RIVCHPP kits and materials to the school.
