By Smith Nwokocha

Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) Official Opening:

Remarks: Official opening of Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme was graced by the Honourable Commissioner of Health Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, the Executive Secretary of RIVCHPP (Dr. Vetty Agala), who was the chief host. The Executive Secretary of Rivers State Primary HealthCare Management Board, Prof. Kinikanwo Innocent Green, Permanent Secretary Rivers Ministry of Health, Directors of Rivers State Ministry of Health, Directors, and staff of Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme. Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State Branch (Dr. Robinson Ebbi D), National President, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (Prof. Rosemary Ogbu). Representative of Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), Former Permanent Secretaries present, Eze Sir Mike Elechi-President Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, and former Permanent Secretary), World Health Organization (W.H.O) Rep. Mrs. Umogbai Deborah Akintola, Institute of Virology of Nigeria (IHVN) Rep. Dr. Ogbunka, Civil Society Organization’s Reps, Lead Pastor of TREM (Rev. Obinna Nwankwo) and Gentlemen of the Press.

The Executive Secretary’s (Dr. Vetty Agala) of RIVCHPP Address: She started by thanking His Excellency the Governor of Rivers State (Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, DSSRS) for implementing this programme for the State, and she further acknowledged the presence of the Distinguished Honourable Commissioner of Health (Dr. Adaeze Oreh), for pushing this programme through, it was her effort that brought this board to light. She appreciates the presence of the Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretary Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board (Prof. Kinikanwo Innocent Green), the Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State Branch (Dr. Robinson Ebbi D), the National President, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (Prof. Rosemary Ogbu), other Dignitaries, staff of RIVCHPP, Representative of Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) and respected Guest.

The E.S, lauded that, this milestone marks the state joining the committee of other states with Health Insurance Programmes towards Universal Health Coverage and the priority of this board is to remove financial barrier towards Health access. The RIVCHPP was born out of the Free Medical Programmes in the 2000’s and in 2021, it became law, Rivers State Contributory Protection Programme was enacted and today it’s been approved and implemented by our dear Governor (Sir. Siminalayi Fubara DSSRS); this appointment and approval is His Excellency’s commitment to ensure that the State is among the States with the Universal Coverage of Health for the people (Rivers People), especially the vulnerable populace. Excited about the opportunity to transform lives through RIVCHPP and it will serve as a Hub for Innovation and service to saving lives. Special thanks to the Honourable Commissioner for her unflinching support and of course other MDAs, Strategic and Development partners including Agencies. Quality and Excellence is the watchword of RIVCHPP.

The Executive Secretary, of Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board (Prof. Kinikanwo Innocent Green); he acknowledged the presence of all Dignitaries and Guests including the Honourable Commissioner of Health and extend his Congratulation to Dr. Vetty Agala on behalf of the board, and he promised to collaborate and support the board. He further emphasized that, on the very important opening of this board, Health Insurance will improve Universal Health Coverage. He appreciates the Hon. Commissioner of Health for ensuring this happens through His Excellency. Rivers state is now counted as state with contributory protection programme. This in collaboration with Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board will ensure maximum health delivery.

Nigerian Medical Association Rivers State Branch, Chairman (Dr. Robinson Ebbi D); Extend his greetings to the Distinguished Guest and all Dignitaries presents. He expressed excitement that NMA-Rivers have always wanted Universal Health Coverage for all. He further extends gratitude to His Excellency the Governor of Rivers State (Sir. Siminalayi Fubara DSSRS). He stated that, Nigerian Medical Association-Rivers State Branch will give support to ensure everyone keys into this programme.

Eze Sir Mike Elechi (President, Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce and former Permanent Secretary); He congratulates the E.S of RIVCHPP and Hon. Commissioner of Health and urges Government to include Businesspeople in this Contributory Programme and let the people feel the impact of this board.

W.H.O Acting State Coordinator (Mrs. Umogbai Deborah Akintola) :  Brings greetings from W.H.O and thank everyone for showing up for this official opening. In her words, today Rivers State can boost of quality healthcare delivery. W.H.O is committed to support this board to achieve Universal Health Coverage in Rivers State.

The Rivers State Coordinator, NHIA (Mr. Chris Itodo): It is with great joy that Rivers people today will be able to access quality healthcare services. Special thanks to the Honourable Commissioner of Health. On this note, he appreciates everyone for coming.

IHVN Rep: Dr. C. Ogunka, on behalf of IHVN, it is even more exciting have the RIVCHPP in Rivers State, as this will help ameliorate the sufferings from people with health challenges like HIV/AIDs, they have glamoured for this and it will really help cover for those facing health issues like non-communicable diseases as well.

TREM: Rev. Obinna Nwankwo; Spiritual Father of the Day. He dedicated the opening to God Almighty and congratulates the State Governor, Honourable Commissioner of Health, the E.S. RIVCHPP and Rivers State for making history today. He cited a quotation in the bible 9Prov. 24:3-4) and closed by saying: “The Wisdom to build this Programme will be available to the Leadership”.

The Distinguished Honourable Commissioner of Health (Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh): In her remark, she acknowledged the Permanent Secretary, Rivers Ministry of Health, Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Management Board, Executive Secretary Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Nigerian Medical Association Rivers State Branch-Chairman, The President-Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Representative of Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), Directors of Ministry of Health,  Directors of Rivers Primary Healthcare Management Board, Directors of Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Development Partners for Social Health, World Health Organization, Institute of Virology of Nigeria, UNICEF, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press.

The Honourable Commissioner of Health, said, it was an emotional moment for her, the first memo she got was on Rivers State Contributory Protection Programme from His Excellency. The Law was passed in 2021. For a long time, the stigma that Rivers State face, was because the state does not have Contribution Protection Programme, but today Rivers State will leverage on the mistakes of other states and protect the lives of Rivers people. One of the first of visit the Commissioner receives was from the NHIA team and that further spur her to push forward for the RIVCHPP.

The Honourable Commissioner, emphasized that, the Financial Risks Protection from statistics shows that, 90% of People pay out of pocket. RIVCHPP will save lives and serve humanity. She is assured that the Health Programme will enable Rivers People access healthcare services promptly, leaving no one behind. She launded Congratulations and cut the ribbon with humility and said “To the glory of God, we cut the ribbon under the Leadership of His Excellency-Sir Siminalayi Fubara DSSRS”. The Rivers State Contributory Protection Programme office was officially opened.

Closing Remark by Mr. Okey Godwin Amadi (Head of Admin -RIVCHPP) : Thanked the Executive Governor of Rivers State for establishing RIVCHPP, the Hon. commissioner for Health for her unflinching support,the permanent secretary Rivers State ministry of health for her motherly role and support,thanks to the ES PHCMB and thanks a million to other dignitaries in attendance and to the ES RIVCHPP and her team thank you.

 RIVCHPP MOTTO:

Vision: To be the Premier State social Health Insurance Provider in Nigeria and Africa delivering Premium Financial Risk Protection to Rivers people.

Mandate: Achieving Universal Coverage by providing Financial Protection for all Rivers People, especially the vulnerable population.

#SIMCARE #SIMHEALTH