The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has announced plans to begin the implementation of health insurance schemes in schools, particularly tertiary institutions across the state.

The Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, disclosed this during an advocacy visit to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, in Port Harcourt.

Dr. Agala said the agency was seeking authorisation from the Ministry to formally engage institutions under its supervision and commence the enrolment of students into the state’s health insurance programme.

According to her, expanding universal health coverage in Rivers State requires deliberate inclusion of students, noting that access to healthcare should not be limited by financial hardship.

She revealed that the agency has also begun discussions with the Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Proprietors of Private Secondary Schools to ensure comprehensive inclusion of students across public and private institutions.

Agala commended the Ministry of Education for policies aimed at improving educational outcomes in the state, describing them as consistent with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to education and social welfare.

She assured the Ministry of RIVCHPP’s dedication to efficient service delivery and encouraged schools to adopt the Student Social Health Insurance Package designed specifically for learners.

In her response, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, pledged to circulate information on the programme to public schools and facilitate sensitisation on the benefits of enrolment.

Uzoma-Nwogu advised the agency to remain proactive and consistent in delivering affordable and quality healthcare services to residents of Rivers State. (AriseNews TV)