The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has announced plans to implement health insurance schemes in schools, with a focus on tertiary institutions across the state.
Dr. Vetty Agala, CEO of RIVCHPP, revealed the initiative during an advocacy visit to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, in Port Harcourt.
She stated that the agency is seeking authorisation from the Ministry to formally engage schools and begin enrolling students in the state’s health insurance programme.
Agala emphasised that expanding universal health coverage in Rivers State requires deliberately including students, ensuring that access to healthcare is not hindered by financial challenges.
She also noted ongoing discussions with the Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Proprietors of Private Secondary Schools to ensure both public and private school students are covered.
Commending the Ministry of Education for its policies aimed at improving educational outcomes, Agala reaffirmed RIVCHPP’s commitment to efficient service delivery and encouraged schools to adopt the Student Social Health Insurance Package tailored for learners.
Responding, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, pledged to circulate information about the programme to public schools and support sensitisation efforts on the benefits of enrolment.
She also urged the agency to remain proactive in providing affordable and quality healthcare services to residents of Rivers State.
