CHIS:Royal Fathers Laud Gov. Okowa Over Implementation

Okonta Emeka Okelum, Asaba

Traditional rulers in Delta State had in the past three days been sensitized on the implementation of Contributory Health Insurance Scheme in the stte and their reaction and response noted.



According to Olorogun Dr. Isaac O Akpoveta, Chairman, Governing Council, Delta State Contributory Health Commission, told journalists in his office yesterday, how his commission had engaged with the royal fathers.

'On Wednesday and Thursday, the commission met and sensitized royal fathers from Delta Central and Delta South Senatorial Districts respectively.

'Today, Friday, it is the turn of royal fathers from Delta North Senitorial district to be sensitized on the commission's activities soon to happen within their domain'

'The scheme's implementation in your communities will be done seamlessly, the old do or die tax collector's approach will not be adopted, Olorogun Dr. Akpoveta assured the royal fathers.

Dr. Ben Nkechika, the Commission's Director General/Chief Executive Officer, urged the traditional rulers to always notify the commission about the state of health facilities in their communities.

'Gov Okowa is committed towards upgrading, renovating and proper standardization of our health care facilities'

'Now that public health workers are on strike, the commission encouraged all enrolled on the scheme to approach all approved private health care facilities'

On the royal fathers's concern over the standardization of community based healthcare facilities to provide basic health care services, Dr. Nkechika allayed their fears.

'Before any community based health care facility is approved for the scheme, the commission will subject it through some vigorous accreditation process and it is mandatory that it must have at least a side laboratory'

'In these laboratories, some basic health tests can be carried out and in serious cases, samples can be taken to secondary health care facilities, for improved healthcare service delivery' Dr Nkechika noted.

Responding to journalists questions after the sensitization exercise, the royal fathers shared their feelings.

H.R.M Kingsley Ugochukwu Ofuokwu III J.P, Obi of Obior, thanked God for this pro people initiative from the state governor.

'It is my prayer that God will give Gov. Okowa more wisdom to impact positively on our people'

'With this gesture, our people will know we have a working governor, who cares for them' H.R.M Ofuokwu observed.

For H.R.M Obi KikaChukwu, Obi of Ubulu-Uno, he thanked the Governor and the commission over the sensitization exercise.

'We have listened to the commission, we have come to the conclusion that Gov. Okowa have a sound pro people healthcare scheme for Deltans'

'We believe the scheme will work effectively for Deltans, hence, it will receive our support' H.R.M Obi Kikachukwu noted.

H.R.M Eze Jonathan Kanegede, the Ogene of Ibedeni Kingdom, promised to encourage his subjects to actively participate in the exercise.

'This is a good and pro people initiative, I thank the governor and the commission over this gesture'

'I will mobilize my people to key into this initiative as I know it will impact positively upon them' H.R.M Eze Kanegede assured.