BY PORTIA OSAYANDE
The Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has reaffirmed that the State’s Health Insurance Scheme remains fully functional, with thousands of enrollees across Edo continuing to benefit daily from affordable and quality healthcare services.
Director General of the Commission, Dr. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, made this known while briefing journalists in Benin City.
She said EDOHIC has consistently delivered on its mandate of expanding healthcare access, improving efficiency, and ensuring accountability in service delivery.
According to her, the Commission has introduced system upgrades to strengthen operations and enhance user experience.
One of such innovations is the introduction of identity cards for dependents, which eliminates delays at healthcare facilities by reducing the need for prior authorization.
“This initiative has streamlined enrollee processing and improved access to care,” Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo explained.
The Commission has also intensified efforts to ensure service quality and provider accountability. Complaints from enrollees, she noted, are promptly investigated, with refunds issued where providers are at fault.
Facilities that violate established guidelines face disciplinary measures, including being publicly named during quarterly provider meetings.
“Our strict accountability measures send a strong signal. We have zero tolerance for poor service delivery. Beneficiaries must be confident that their enrolment guarantees them access to the care they deserve,” she said.
To further improve transparency, EDOHIC has maintained an open-door policy, encouraging enrollees with service complaints to visit any of its offices for immediate investigation and resolution of issues.
Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo stressed that the Commission’s resilience and continuity are secured by State legislation and Federal Government backing, ensuring its permanence irrespective of political transitions.
She added that the Commission’s performance had earned it multiple awards and recognition in recent months, underscoring its alignment with both local needs and international best practices.
Despite socio-economic challenges, the Director General expressed optimism that operational hurdles would be overcome with the support of Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose SHINE Agenda prioritizes universal health coverage for Edo residents.
“The scheme is active, functional, and many people are benefitting from it every day. With the support of His Excellency and the trust of our enrollees, we remain committed to sustaining affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all Edo people,” she stated.
She emphasized that the true measure of EDOHIC’s success lies in the thousands of Edo residents who now walk into hospitals without fear of catastrophic health expenses.
With its systems running smoothly and strong institutional backing in place, the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme, she said, is not only functional but delivering real impact across communities.
