The Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr. Vetty Agala, has made a passionate call for stronger collaboration between the government and community stakeholders to support healthcare interventions and improve access to quality healthcare services across Rivers State. Dr. Agala made this appeal during her address at the grand opening ceremony of the Garden City medical facility, highlighting that sustainable health systems rely heavily on community engagement and collective ownership.
According to Dr. Agala, while the state government is actively designing and funding robust healthcare policies, the implementation and long-term success of these programs depend on local cooperation. She emphasized that healthcare delivery cannot be solely financed or managed by the public sector if universal coverage is to be achieved. “For healthcare interventions to be truly impactful, there must be a seamless synergy between government agencies, private healthcare providers, and community leadership,” Dr. Agala stated.
A major highlight of her address was the state government’s ongoing initiative to provide free healthcare services to vulnerable populations. Under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State is breaking financial barriers to healthcare access. The RIVCHPP framework is designed to offer comprehensive, premium-free medical services to vulnerable demographics, including pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities.
To ensure that these initiatives achieve their maximum potential, Dr. Agala urged community leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations to act as advocates. She encouraged them to sensitize their constituents about the benefits of RIVCHPP and mobilize eligible citizens to register for the state-backed health insurance scheme. This grassroots mobilization, she noted, is critical to ensuring that no Rivers State resident is left behind.
In closing, Dr. Agala commended the proprietors of the new Garden City facility for their investment in the state’s healthcare infrastructure. She reiterated that RIVCHPP remains committed to fostering strategic public-private-community partnerships, which are essential for driving sustainable development, reducing maternal and child mortality, and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the state.
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