RismadarVoice Reporters, July 25, 2026
The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has surpassed the enrolment target assigned to the state under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), marking a significant milestone in efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare services for residents.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr Vetty Agala, announced the achievement during the Review Meeting of Chief Executive Officers of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs), held in Abuja.
RismadarVoice Reporters gathered that the meeting brought together health insurance administrators and key stakeholders from across the country to assess progress in the implementation of state health insurance schemes, share best practices, and develop strategies for increasing access to quality and affordable healthcare through effective health insurance programmes.
Speaking at the forum, Dr Agala described Rivers State’s performance as a reflection of the government’s sustained commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring that more residents, particularly vulnerable groups, have access to health insurance coverage.
She said exceeding the enrolment target under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund underscores the state’s determination to implement inclusive health financing policies that improve access to essential healthcare services while reducing the financial burden of medical expenses on citizens.
According to her, the feat was achieved through sustained collaboration among government institutions, healthcare providers, development partners, and other critical stakeholders who have continued to support the implementation of the state’s contributory health insurance programme.
While commending the collective efforts that led to the success, Dr Agala called for greater equity in donor support for state health insurance agencies across the country. She stressed that increased and balanced assistance from development partners would enable more states to expand health insurance coverage for vulnerable and underserved populations.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme to consolidating on the progress already recorded by intensifying public awareness campaigns and enrolment drives aimed at bringing more residents into the health insurance scheme.
According to her, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, implemented through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), is designed to improve access to primary healthcare services by supporting states to provide health insurance coverage for vulnerable populations, strengthen primary healthcare facilities, and advance the country’s drive towards universal health coverage.
