RismadarVoice Reporters, April 2, 2026
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr. Vetty Agala, has emphasized the importance of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) gateway forum meetings in strengthening healthcare services for enrollees in the state.
Dr. Agala made the remark while delivering her opening address at the 2026 first quarter BHCPF Gateway Forum Meeting held recently in Port Harcourt.
She explained that the forum provides an opportunity for the various gateways involved in the programme to critically assess the services they deliver to residents, identify existing gaps, and propose practical solutions aimed at improving healthcare delivery across Rivers State.
According to her, the meetings are designed to promote accountability and collaboration among stakeholders responsible for implementing the BHCPF, particularly in ensuring that quality healthcare services reach the people.
Dr. Agala also disclosed that the state health insurance agency is currently working on modalities to commence the second phase of BHCPF enrolment at the facility level. She noted that the process will include updating the National Identification Number (NIN) of most enrollees in order to enhance coverage and improve the efficiency of the programme.
In a goodwill message at the meeting, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB), Dr. Dede Seiyeofori, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Board, urged participants to openly share their experiences and professional insights during the discussions.
He noted that such openness would help stakeholders identify gaps in service delivery and jointly develop workable solutions to strengthen healthcare services in the state.
Also speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Julliene Darlington-Nwoke, observed that the BHCPF gateway meetings have shown steady improvement with each quarter.
She described the forum as an important platform for stakeholders to critically examine the contributions of various gateways in enhancing healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Dr. Darlington-Nwoke further commended RIVCHPP for its sustained efforts in expanding access to healthcare services through its oversight of service delivery at primary healthcare centres across Rivers State.
