By Portia Osayande
In commemoration of year 2025 Children’s Day, the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has carried out a coordinated outreach across the three senatorial districts of the State with the enrolment of 450 orphans into the Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS), delivery of healthcare support to orphans and vulnerable children in orphanages and government health facilities.
The initiative which is designed to promote inclusivity in access to healthcare, covered five registered orphanages and three public health centres across the three senatorial districts. It aligned with EDOHIC’s mission to extend quality healthcare to all residents, especially those at the margins of society.
A major highlight of the outreach was the gesture of EDOHIC to offset outstanding hospital bills for several children whose families had struggled to cover treatment costs, demonstrating the Government’s ongoing commitment to health equity. EDOHIC teams visited orphanages and healthcare facilities to carry out enrollments, settle medical expenses, and distribute relief items. In each location, the outreach received warm reception from caregivers, community members, and health workers, who appreciated the Commission’s efforts in prioritising child health and wellbeing.
The Director General of EDOHIC, Mrs. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, who was represented at Edo Specialist Hospital in Edo South by the Acting Director of the Public Relations and Advocacy Department, Mrs. Omonigho O. Trinitas, emphasised the importance of inclusive healthcare. “Every child, regardless of background, deserves access to basic health services. This outreach reinforces our pledge to protect and support those who need it most,” she stated.
Gift packages containing essential items and treats were distributed during the visits, bringing cheer to children at the health facilities and orphanages. The outreach concluded with renewed assurance from EDOHIC of its commitment to child-focused health interventions. Children’s Day is marked annually on May 27 to promote child welfare and draw attention to the importance of safeguarding children’s rights.
