BENIN CITY: The Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnership with the Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH) as part of ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare service delivery and advance Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda in the state.

Welcoming the visiting management team of ESH at the Commission’s headquarters in Benin City, the Director-General of EDOHIC, Dr. (Mrs.) Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, commended the hospital’s management for its sustained dedication to quality service delivery and accountability.

According to a statement on Monday signed by the Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Portia Osayande, Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo reaffirmed that the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS) remains fully functional and continues to deliver value to thousands of enrollees through efficient processes, prompt provider payments, and ongoing system improvements.

She emphasized that collaboration remains central to the Commission’s operations, adding that EDOHIC maintains strong partnerships with healthcare providers to ensure effective communication, data accuracy, and timely resolution of claims. 

She explained that despite ongoing digital system upgrades, payments to hospitals have remained uninterrupted, an indication of the Commission’s dedication to operational excellence and sustainability.

The Director-General stated that the new onboarding process, designed to strengthen communication between enrollees, providers, and the Commission, will feature improved patient education materials, an updated feedback system, and clearer channels for resolving enrollee concerns in real time.

In her remarks, the Chief Medical Director of ESH, Dr. (Mrs.) Anthonia Inibokun Njoku, appreciated the Commission for its unwavering support and partnership, explaining that the visit was aimed at strengthening synergy between both institutions to enhance patient service delivery and address emerging operational challenges under the State Health Insurance Scheme.

Dr. Njoku reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to supporting the insurance programme through quality service provision and accountability. She noted that prompt reimbursements and improved coordination from EDOHIC have contributed significantly to maintaining service standards and ensuring that insured patients continue to receive timely and effective care.

The Head of Health Maintenance Organization at ESH, Mrs. Justina Ezemoya, highlighted some challenges currently faced in service delivery, expressing optimism that continued collaboration with the Commission would help resolve them. She disclosed that the hospital recently assigned an additional staff member to the HMO Desk to assist with enrollee verification and coordination—an effort aimed at improving response time and reducing delays.

Mrs. Ezemoya also called for more engagements with enrollees to minimize confusion, stressing that patient education remains a critical component of effective service delivery. She recommended that enrollees be provided with clear information on coverage limits, benefit entitlements, and referral procedures.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council of ESH, Dr. Victor Ohenhen, appreciated the DG of EDOHIC for sustaining the partnership and called for continued trust in the hospital. He assured that ESH would continue to operate with fidelity, integrity, and quality assurance to meet all expectations and guidelines set by the Commission.

The engagement concluded with a shared commitment from both institutions to deepen collaboration, sustain quality service delivery, and ensure that Edo residents continue to benefit from accessible, affordable, and efficient healthcare under EDOHIS.