Accessible, affordable healthcare essential for productive economy, says Oborevwori

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, yesterday, said that accessible and affordable healthcare is non-negotiable for a healthy, vibrant and productive population.

Oborevwori stated this when he played host to the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), led by its National Chairman, Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu, and National President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Prof. Cyril Osifo, at the Government House, Asaba.

He said that the state government would continue to accord priority attention to the health of Deltans, noting that the state was the first to implement the mandatory health insurance scheme in the country. The governor pointed out that over 1.2 million people have, so far, enrolled in the scheme.

He said: “It is gratifying that this conference is focusing on universal health coverage. Accessible and affordable healthcare is non-negotiable for a healthy, vibrant and productive population.

“Health is life; hence, the implementation of the mandatory health insurance scheme must be pursued with vigour. I am happy that Delta State is doing very well in this regard”.

“We are the first state to implement the mandatory health insurance scheme, with over 1.2 million enrollees. That makes us the only state that has achieved over 20 per cent coverage of its citizens in the health scheme.”

The governor noted that his administration will continue to expand the capacity of Delta State Contributory Health Commission to maintain its leadership position in the country.

Oborevwori assured that the state government would continue to partner with community pharmacists to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

He added: “Obviously, community pharmacists have an important role to play if the nation is to achieve its goal of universal health coverage.

“As a government, we shall continue to leverage on the knowledge, skill and expertise of the community pharmacists to deliver quality health care to our people, because they are the bridge between patients and medical practitioners.

“They offer vital services, from dispensing medications to counselling patients on proper usage, thereby contributing significantly to disease prevention and health promotion.

“We see you as partners in the healthcare delivery chain, and we will continue to provide the enabling environment for you to discharge your services.”