By Portia Osayande
In its continued efforts at strengthening healthcare delivery and institutional capacity, the Edo State Government through the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC), has organised a high-level training session to strengthen ethical standards, enhance technical competencies, and familiarize providers with the revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) guiding service delivery under EDOHIC’s framework.
The Training themed, “Empowering Quality Care and Best Practices for Health Service Providers,” was held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOPSA) in Benin City, with participants, who joined virtually from hubs in Edo North and Edo Central senatorial districts.
In a keynote address, the Director General (DG) of EDOHIC, Mrs. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, charged health service providers across the State to uphold quality, professionalism, and patient-centered care in pursuit of Universal Health Coverage. Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to continuous professional development and high-quality service delivery in the Health Sector, she emphasized that the training aligns with the Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritizes a resilient and accessible health system driven by excellence, innovation, and accountability.
Mrs. Ikpea-Enaholo stated, “Our vision is to build a health system where quality is the norm, not the exception. We are embedding global best practices at all levels. This training reinforces our emergency care policy to ensure that no enrollee is ever denied urgent care due to administrative barriers. We are not only empowering health workers; we are protecting lives. The effort is part of a broader strategy to reform institutional practices and optimize the performance of healthcare facilities under the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme.”
The one-day Training session brought together stakeholders, including Chief Medical officers, public health workers, healthcare administrators, and technical partners from across the State. Participants engaged in practical breakout sessions and thematic modules, which were facilitated by health experts. Topics addressed included “Strategic Direction under the SHINE Agenda;” “Comprehensive Benefits Package Review;” “Efficient Claims Management;” “Ethical Decision-Making;” and “Effective Communication Practices.”
In a presentation, the EDOHIC’s Director of Health Services and Standards, Dr. Osayuki Edosa-Iyayi, underscored the critical roles of frontline service providers in achieving sustainable healthcare reform. She provided data on the Commission’s reach and performance, stating that since inception, over 276,300 Edo residents have accessed care under the Scheme; with 1,011 surgeries conducted since 2023 and 474 childbirths recorded across the three senatorial districts since 2021.
“Our progress is significant, but quality must match access. We are growing the number of accredited facilities and ensuring that they meet the expectations of our people. This training is a vital investment in that mission,” Dr. Edosa-Iyayi concluded.
Participants described the training as timely and transformational. Many shared insights on systemic challenges in service delivery and pledged to adopt the principles of excellence, dignity, and ethical care in their day-to-day engagements. Others adjudged it as a wake-up call, saying it is not just about compliance, but about commitment to the people they serve.
EDOHIC is setting a new benchmark for healthcare delivery in the State. The training further strengthens the Governor Okpebholo-led administration’s ongoing reforms to institutionalize quality, build trust in public healthcare, and ensure that no resident is left behind in the journey toward equitable, accessible, and affordable health services in Edo State.
