By Lateef Taiwo
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, said 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), Professor Cyril Osifo at Government House, Asaba.
He said that the State Government would continue to accord priority attention to the health of Deltans, noting that Delta State was the first to implement the mandatory health insurance scheme in the Country, with over 1.2m enrollees.
He said: “It is gratifying to know that this conference is focusing on Universal Health Coverage. Accessible and affordable healthcare is a 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 to let you know that Delta State is doing very well in this regard.
“We are the first State to implement the mandatory health insurance scheme, with over 1.2milion enrollees. That makes us the only State that has achieved over 20 per cent coverage of its citizens in the health scheme.
“This administration will continue to expand the capacity of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission to maintain its leadership position in the Country,” he said.
Oborevwori assured that the State Government would continue to partner with the Community Pharmacists to improve healthcare delivery in the State.
“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, 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,” Oborevwori added.
The Governor further remarked that Delta is a peaceful State that would continue to welcome visitors from all walks of life.
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