• As Delta leads in National Social Health insurance
Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr Isaac Akpoveta, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence in acknowledgment of his outstanding contribution towards the successful implementation of the social health insurance programme in Nigeria.
Dr Akpoveta received the prestigious award award during the 2026 National Summit of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIA) held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Heads of State Social Health Insurance Agencies, policymakers, development partners and healthcare providers converged at the summit to review progress made in the health sector and explore strategies for promoting effective Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
Presenting the honours award to Dr Akpoveta, the Chairman of SSHIA and Director-General of the Katsina State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Mr Mohammed Safana, commended the DSCHC D-G for his leadership and commitment to expanding access to healthcare through social health insurance.
Delta State has recorded significant progress in health insurance coverage, enrolment, service delivery and the protection of vulnerable populations under Akpoveta’s leadership, Safana observed.
He noted that the award was “also in recognition of Dr Akpoveta’s contributions to innovative healthcare financing initiatives and efforts aimed at strengthening partnerships that support the growth of social health insurance in Nigeria”.
Participants at the event were unanimous that Akpoveta has been a strong advocate of sustainable healthcare financing and equitable access to quality healthcare services.
Responding, Dr Akpoveta said that he was dedicating the esteemed honour to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Government, healthcare workers, development partners and the staff of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission.
He assured that the recognition would spur ithe DSCHC to intensify efforts toward expanding health insurance coverage and improving access to healthcare services for residents across the state.
Moreover, Akpoveta reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting national Universal Health Coverage goals, noting that “health insurance remains a critical tool for reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and protecting families from financial hardship arising from medical costs.”
The summit featured panel discussions, exhibitions and knowledge-sharing sessions geared towards increasing enrolment, enhancing service quality and ensuring sustainable financing for state health insurance schemes across Nigeria.