Delta State has introduced strategies to curb the influx of non-residents of the state from accessing the free maternal healthcare services for expectant mothers, and children under five.
The new measures were introduced following observations, over the increasing number of pregnant women pouring into the state, from neighbouring states to access its free maternal healthcare services.
Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, highlighted this issue during a sensitization training on the state’s modified health insurance policy for key stakeholders.
He said the influx of pregnant, non-resident women from states bordering Delta State, was distorting the state’s healthcare statistics.
Dr. Akpoveta explained that the state government was investing significantly in its equity health plan, intended exclusively for residents of the state.
“As a result, new measures have been introduced to ensure only eligible beneficiaries can access the programme. It is no longer business as usual. “Beneficiaries must now provide proof of residency in Delta State, and possess a valid identity card issued by the Delta State Contributory Health Commission before receiving free healthcare services for delivery,” he stated.
Delta is one of the states in Nigeria where pregnant women receive comprehensive maternity care at no cost, covering ante-natal services and delivery, including cesarean sections, Dr. Akpoveta revealed.
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He, however, warned that people from states like Rivers, and Enugu were taking advantage of the system, leading to an unsustainable financial burden on the state.
“Because of this, people now see Delta as a destination for free childbirth. They come from Port Harcourt, Enugu, and other states, which is affecting our statistics,” he complained.
Dr. Akpoveta also announced that the commission had enrolled more than 2.5 million individuals under the scheme, including those covered by the equity health plan.
He assured residents that the modified policy document aims to enhance service delivery, and maintain global best practices in healthcare.
Additionally, he announced that all zonal, and major health facilities would now establish dedicated health insurance units.
To further improve service quality, he added that the commission has deployed agents to pharmacy sections in accredited public, and private hospitals to ensure prescribed medications are dispensed appropriately.
