RismadarVoice Reporters
October 13, 2026
The Rivers State Government has directed the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) to commence the enrolment of school-age children in its health insurance scheme, beginning with pupils in public primary schools.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr Vetty Agala, disclosed the directive during a meeting with representatives of the School Children Vision Detection and Referral Initiative.
Agala said Governor Siminalayi Fubara issued the directive as part of efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare for children and address health challenges affecting vulnerable families across the state.
According to her, the governor’s decision followed concerns raised in a recent health report that identified Rivers State among states experiencing significant challenges with childhood malnutrition.
She explained that the administration was particularly concerned about the inability of some families to afford essential medical services, including screening, diagnosis and treatment for children with health conditions.
Agala commended the School Children Vision Detection and Referral Initiative for its commitment to identifying and addressing visual impairments among schoolchildren.
She described early detection and treatment of eye conditions as important to children’s educational development, general wellbeing and quality of life.
The RIVCHPP boss expressed concern over reports that some parents were unable to pay for medical examinations and treatment after their children were diagnosed with eye-related conditions.
She said such financial difficulties demonstrated the need for stronger health insurance coverage to reduce the burden of medical expenses on households.
Agala further explained that Governor Fubara’s decision to strengthen the operations of RIVCHPP was intended to ensure that residents did not continue to suffer preventable health complications because of financial constraints.
She assured the visiting delegation that the agency was prepared to collaborate with the Rivers State Ministry of Education and other relevant institutions to implement the schoolchildren’s enrolment initiative.
According to her, the programme would initially target pupils attending public primary schools before expanding coverage to other categories of school-age children.
She said the initiative was designed to provide beneficiaries with access to comprehensive healthcare services through the state’s health insurance framework.
The proposed collaboration is also expected to support early identification of health conditions among pupils and improve access to appropriate medical attention.
Agala reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with education authorities, healthcare providers and relevant organisations to ensure effective implementation of the governor’s directive.
Details concerning the enrolment timetable, the number of children to be covered and the specific services available to beneficiaries were not provided.
