By Ebuanekpe Joy
The Director General of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EdoHIC), Barr. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo has reiterated the Commission’s resolve to achieve the State Government’s vision of ensuring that vulnerable populations in Edo State receive accessible and quality healthcare in the State.
Barr. Ikpea-Enaholo gave the assurance when she led her Team on a tour of key health facilities in Edo Central Senatorial District as part of the Commission’s Equity and Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Plan and to mark the commencement of the 2nd phase of the front-loading programme.
The EdoHIC Boss underscored her commitment to be in line with the agendum of the State Government of providing quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services for residents in the State. The tour culminated at the Irrua Model Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), which will serve as venue for celebrating the Governor’s 100 Days in Office with expected registration of over one hundred vulnerable individuals into the Health Insurance Scheme, from 16th to 18th of February, 2025.
At the EDOHIS operations office in Ekpoma, the DG and the Compliance Director met with the Head of Operations for the District. The meeting afforded the DG to charge staff on the importance of teamwork, urging them to actively contribute towards achieving the Agency’s mandate in ensuring that the Community experiences the benefits of the Health Insurance Scheme.
The DG addressed several operational challenges at various facilities across the District. At Ukpenu PHC, the Matron reported challenges of delays in accessing funds for essential drugs due to pending updates on accounts signatories. The DG assured that the matter would be expedited for prompt resolution.
At Ujoelen PHC in Ekpoma, the DG observed bureaucratic bottlenecks that were hindering the effective utilization of commission funds, thereby affecting the standard of healthcare delivery. Similarly, at Obeidu PHC, from the Matron’s briefing, the Team noted that Community’s enrollment in the Scheme was low. Consequently, the DG advised that enhanced sensitization efforts, in collaboration with the Ward Development Committee, would be essential to boost participation.
By leading this initiative, the DG is working to ensure that the Governor’s commitment to the overall wellbeing of residents is achieved. The proactive approach not only addresses the identified operational challenges during the tour but also translates the Governor’s vision into appreciable healthcare improvements for residents in Edo State.
