140,000 Enrolled Into Health Scheme As RIVCHPP Marks 2nd Anniversary
The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has recorded a major milestone with over 145,000 residents enrolled into the state health insurance scheme within its first two years of operation.
The achievement was disclosed on Thursday by the Executive Secretary of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, during a commemorative briefing to mark the agency’s second anniversary.
Dr. Agala made the announcement while presenting promotional materials to the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, at the Government House, Port Harcourt. She commended the Deputy Governor for her sustained advocacy and support, describing it as a key factor behind the programme’s growing public awareness, credibility and acceptance.
Established in February 2024, RIVCHPP was designed to provide financial protection for residents against the rising cost of healthcare and to ensure access to quality medical services without catastrophic out-of-pocket spending.
According to the Executive Secretary, the 145,000 beneficiaries are drawn from all 23 local government areas of the state, reflecting the scheme’s statewide reach.
She noted that beyond enrolment figures, the programme has already made significant impact, having funded thousands of successful surgical procedures and maternal deliveries, thereby offering life-saving interventions to residents who would otherwise have been unable to afford such care.
Dr. Agala attributed the rapid growth and success of the scheme to the strong political will and policy direction of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom she said has placed healthcare at the centre of his administration’s “People First” agenda.
She explained that the governor’s commitment to a sustainable health insurance model is aimed at reducing mortality rates and eliminating out-of-pocket medical expenses, particularly for low-income earners and vulnerable populations.
As RIVCHPP enters its third year, Dr. Agala reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to uphold its guiding principle of “leaving no one behind,” revealing that plans are underway to further expand coverage to more traders, students and rural dwellers across the state.
She assured residents that the programme would continue to strengthen partnerships and improve service delivery to deepen access to affordable and quality healthcare in Rivers State.
