The Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has launched a training session for a team of volunteers, equipping them with essential knowledge and sales techniques to effectively promote the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme.
The innovative training session which was held at the John Odigie Oyegun public Service Academy (JOOPSA) aims at boosting the health insurance enrollment scheme across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State
The event marks the first implementation of the Canvasser Model within the state’s health insurance program, with the sole focus of driving a more grassroots approach to healthcare access and awareness.
During the training, the volunteers received a comprehensive overview of the categories of health insurance available, along with the criteria and exemptions involved. The primary objective of the session was to prepare them to engage directly with residents, providing information on the scheme and encouraging enrollment.
The training began with a session focused on the distinctions within Edo State’s health insurance infrastructure. Volunteers were introduced to the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDHIC) and the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS).
It was explained that EDHIC established by law in 2019 is the governing body overseeing EDOHIS, and it plays a regulatory role ensuring the program operates smoothly and reaches the people who need it most. While EDHIC provides oversight, EDOHIS is responsible for delivering affordable healthcare to Edo residents.
The training also covered the main components of the scheme which include enrollment, capitation, and careprovision. The session highlighted how these three pillars interact to ensure healthcare accessibility. Through the commission, care is delivered by health service providers—hospitals and primary healthcare facilities—while those enrolled as “enrollees” under the insurance scheme can access these services when needed.
The volunteers were trained specifically to promote the scheme’s paying plans, as opposed to its equity plans. The paying plans require payment, which supports the scheme’s long-term sustainability, while the equity plans offer free coverage for certain demographics.
According to a representative
the commission, the equity plans are allocated based on a checklist of criteria designed to identify and assist those who cannot afford healthcare services. However, volunteers will concentrate on encouraging residents to join one of the five paid categories:
1. Student Plan
2. Gold Plan
3. Silver Plan
4. Bronze Plan
5. Enhanced Plan
Mr. Ekpen Odemwingie, the session’s second trainer, provided insights into effective sales strategies. He emphasised the importance of building relationships with prospects as a first step, noting that health insurance is more readily accepted when a level of trust and familiarity has been established. He also stressed the need to understand specific audience by knowing their demographics, buying habits, among relevant factors.
Dr. Owen Stephen Omorogbe, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the Edo State Health Commission, praised the new initiative and underscores Edo State Government’s commitment to expanding health insurance outreach.
“In furtherance of our bid to increase the penetration of health insurance message dissemination in Edo State, His Excellency, Dr. Godwin Obaseki magnanimously approved the recruitment of volunteers across the state who will serve as marketing canversers.
“Essentially their role is to work within their community and wards to get that level of dissemination of information to enable all residents of Edo State irrespective of the social status or geographical location get the message of health insurance and come on board,” Omorogbe said.
“To qualify for this role, volunteers must have a basic educational background, be ICT-literate, and possess problem-solving skills.
“The commission intends to monitor the performance of the volunteers, and has already begun recruiting an additional group to expand the outreach.
“We welcome anyone who is willing and able to join,” he added.
The Edo State Health Insurance Commission’s mission aligns with the nationwide mandate by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which requires every state to operate a health insurance scheme.
Each state has adapted the mandate to local needs, sometimes under different names, but with the shared goal of making healthcare affordable and accessible.
Edo State is embracing this responsibility through EDOHIS, creating a sustainable model to cover free and paid insurance plans for residents.
