The Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has partnered philanthropists and public-spirited individuals to enrol 800 vulnerable residents of Edo Central Senatorial District into the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme.
The initiative, known as the Philanthropist Health Initiative, was rolled out during the yuletide season as part of the commission’s efforts to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare and accelerate the attainment of Universal Health Coverage in Edo State.
The programme is designed to mobilise support from philanthropists, corporate organisations, community groups, faith-based bodies and other stakeholders to sponsor health insurance coverage for vulnerable citizens across the state.
Beneficiaries enrolled under the scheme are entitled to a comprehensive healthcare package, including medical consultations, maternal and child healthcare services, paediatric care, access to essential drugs and a wide range of laboratory investigations.
Services can be accessed at accredited public and private healthcare facilities within Edo Central Senatorial District.
The enrolment exercise, conducted in phases, began on December 22 in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area.
It continued on December 23 in Igueben Local Government Area, moved to Ewatto in Esan South East Local Government Area on December 29 and concluded on December 30 in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
A total of 200 beneficiaries were enrolled in each of the four local government areas, bringing the total number of enrollees to 800. With their enrolment completed, beneficiaries are now protected from out-of-pocket healthcare spending and catastrophic medical costs.
The initiative aligns with the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents of Edo State, particularly the most vulnerable.
The exercise was made possible through the support of public-spirited sons and daughters of the state, including Chief (Dr.) Leemon Ikpea, General Cecil Esekhaigbe (Rtd), Engineer Tony Ikpea, Mr. Ewalefoh O. Jobson, Mr. Richard Inegbedion, Honourable Festus Ebea, Distinguished Senator Joseph I. Ikpea and Honourable Dr. Jerry Uwangue.
Speaking on the programme, the Director-General of EDOHIC, Dr. Mrs. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, said the Philanthropist Health Initiative reflects the commission’s commitment to inclusive and innovative partnerships in expanding health insurance coverage.
She noted that the initiative provides an open platform for individuals, politicians, public servants, corporate organisations through their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes and faith-based organisations to sponsor health insurance for vulnerable residents.
She added that personal milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries and memorials could also be leveraged to give back to society by enrolling beneficiaries into the scheme.
Also speaking, the Edo Central Regional Supervisor of EDOHIC, Mr. Percy Oseghale Okuofo, described the initiative as a timely intervention that demonstrates the Edo State Government’s commitment to people-centred healthcare delivery.
He commended the phased rollout across Irrua, Igueben, Ewatto and Uromi, noting that it ensured efficient coverage of communities across the senatorial district.
At the Uromi enrolment exercise, a beneficiary, Mr. Akhere Christopher, Secretary of the Elders’ Council of Unuwazi Community, praised the Edo State Government, EDOHIC and the supporting philanthropists for bringing healthcare services closer to the people.
He said the initiative would significantly ease the burden of medical expenses on vulnerable families.
With the successful completion of the Edo Central enrolment, EDOHIC said the Philanthropist Health Initiative would be sustained and expanded statewide to ensure that no Edo resident is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.
