A major healthcare intervention targeted at improving access to medical services in Edo State has received a boost as no fewer than 4,000 residents of Ovia Federal Constituency are set to benefit from a fully funded health insurance programme under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), following an intervention facilitated by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
In a statement, his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, said the initiative facilitated by Idahosa during his tenure as the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, is designed to ease the financial burden of healthcare on residents by providing access to quality medical services without out-of-pocket payments.
The programme was formally unveiled in Benin City during the presentation of NHIA health insurance cards to the deputy governor and the current member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion, by the Edo State Coordinator of NHIA, Dr. Theodore Ehannire.
Speaking at the presentation, Idahosa said the programme reflects his commitment to improving the welfare of the people through strategic investments in healthcare and human capital development.
“This intervention is aimed at ensuring that our people have access to quality healthcare without the financial burden that often prevents many from seeking timely medical attention,” he said.
He added that responsive leadership should prioritise investments in human capital and public health alongside physical infrastructure.
Presenting the cards on behalf of the Director-General of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, the Edo State Coordinator, Dr. Theodore Ehannire, described the programme as the first initiative of its kind in the state since the establishment of the NHIA.
Ehannire disclosed that he personally led the enrolment team across the nooks and crannies of Ovia Federal Constituency, noting that over 2,000 of the projected 4,000 beneficiaries had already been successfully enrolled and issued activated health insurance cards for use at accredited hospitals across Edo State.
According to him, all medical expenses for the 4,000 beneficiaries under the scheme had already been paid by Deputy Governor Idahosa, enabling enrollees to receive healthcare services without making direct payments at the point of service.
He explained that while 2,000 residents had already been captured under the scheme, the remaining 2,000 beneficiaries would be enrolled by the current representative of the constituency in the House of Representatives.
Ehannire said beneficiaries would have access to medical consultations, treatment, minor surgical procedures and maternal healthcare services, including safe delivery for pregnant women.
He urged residents of Ovia Federal Constituency to take advantage of the programme and create awareness within their communities, noting that beneficiaries could access healthcare services at General Hospital, Iguobazuwa, General Hospital, Okada, and other accredited facilities within and outside the constituency, including the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH).
He commended the deputy governor for prioritising the health and well-being of the people, describing the initiative as one that would significantly improve access to quality healthcare across the constituency.
Ehannire also appealed to Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion to expand the initiative by ensuring the enrolment and activation of the remaining beneficiaries with a view to increasing coverage to 5,000 people. He stressed that the programme should be sustained beyond its initial one-year duration.
Also speaking, Igbinedion described the health insurance scheme as a people-centred intervention with the capacity to improve the lives of constituents.
She said good governance should not be measured only by physical infrastructure but also by programmes that directly improve the quality of life of the people.
“There is no price that can be placed on health because health is wealth and life itself,” she said.
She added that the initiative would reduce self-medication, improve access to maternal and child healthcare, and enhance the overall well-being of residents.
Distribution of the NHIA cards is expected to commence in the coming days, paving the way for thousands of beneficiaries to access affordable and quality healthcare services across accredited medical facilities in Edo State.
