By Edward Oseghe
The Director-General of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC), Dr. (Mrs.) Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to advancing the health and overall well-being of all Edo residents through sustained investments in accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare.
Speaking with journalists in Benin City, Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo described the Governor’s SHINE Agenda as a transformative framework that places the welfare of citizens at the core of governance.
“His Excellency’s passion for the well-being of the people is not merely a policy declaration — it is a lived commitment reflected in every action of this administration. The Governor believes that good health is the foundation of productivity and prosperity, and under his guidance, we at EDOHIC are translating that vision into tangible results,” she said.
Under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, the Commission has introduced wide-ranging reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Edo State. So far, over 55,000 new residents have been enrolled into various health plans, while 25 additional healthcare facilities have been accredited to improve access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo highlighted that EDOHIC has also strengthened its operational framework through the adoption of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance transparency, accountability, and service quality. Among these are the Emergency Care Policy, Annual Wellness Checks Policy, and the Patient Rights and Responsibilities Charter, all designed to safeguard enrollees and improve the delivery of healthcare services.
She further noted that the Commission’s collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Health and the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) has deepened the reach of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), ensuring free consultations, essential medicines, and maternal and child health services for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly.
According to her, a new Diaspora and Philanthropy Health Initiative is also underway to mobilize the expertise, resources, and goodwill of Edo indigenes and friends of the state across the globe to strengthen health systems and expand access to quality care.
“We are intentional about taking healthcare to the people who need it most. Through the Diaspora and Philanthropy Plan, we are tapping into global partnerships to amplify our impact,” she emphasized. “With the Governor’s strong leadership and unwavering support, EDOHIC is building a stronger, more inclusive healthcare system that leaves no Edo resident behind.”
Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo added that the achievements recorded by EDOHIC in the past year reflect Governor Okpebholo’s empathy, vision, and steadfast dedication to the welfare of the people.
“We are confident that under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Edo State will continue to attain greater heights — not only in healthcare but across all sectors that impact the lives of our citizens,” she concluded.
Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to the health and prosperity of Edo people, she stressed, continues to drive transformative policies and initiatives that ensure the well-being of citizens remains at the heart of governance.
