RismadarVoice Reporters, April 29, 2026
The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme has entered into a strategic partnership with Pamo University of Medical Sciences to broaden access to affordable healthcare services for the university’s staff and students.
The agreement was reached during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr Vetty Agala, and her management team to the Vice Chancellor and leadership of the institution in Iriebe, Rivers State.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Agala disclosed that the scheme currently has over 145,000 enrollees across the 23 local government areas of the state. She noted that the inclusion of the PUMS community would significantly boost enrollment while enhancing healthcare access, particularly through the already empanelled Pamo University Teaching Hospital and Clinic serving the Obio/Akpor and Oyigbo axis.
Dr Agala sought formal approval for the enrollment of university staff and students into the scheme, outlining its benefits, including heavily subsidised healthcare packages supported by the state government. She explained that students would pay an annual premium of ₦12,000, while staff would contribute 5 per cent of their basic salary, with employers covering 10 per cent. The plan also extends coverage to spouses and up to four children under the age of 21.
She added that enrollees would enjoy uninterrupted access to healthcare services both within and outside the university environment, including when travelling beyond Rivers State.
The RIVCHPP boss further confirmed that the Pamo University Teaching Hospital has already been onboarded to deliver various levels of healthcare services under the scheme.
Dr Agala commended the university’s governing council and management for their commitment to institutional governance and human capital development, describing their efforts as vital to the socio-economic growth of Rivers State. She also emphasized that the university’s mission aligns with the healthcare vision of Siminialayi Fubara to improve the quality of life for residents.
In his response, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smith Jaja, approved the partnership and expressed appreciation to the state government for establishing a system that ensures affordable and quality healthcare for citizens.
