By Edward Oseghe
The Edo State health sector has convened its quarterly review meeting of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and State Oversight Committee (SOC) in Benin City, with a focus on strengthening health insurance, improving access to Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), and closing service delivery gaps.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Health Conference Room, was chaired by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, who welcomed participants and reiterated government’s commitment to expanding healthcare coverage. He said the session was designed to assess progress made so far, address persistent challenges, and develop strategies for better utilization of PHCs across the state.
Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, described the review as critical to identifying lapses in the state’s health insurance framework. He highlighted concerns including inadequate staffing, the need for more training of healthcare personnel, underutilization of PHCs, and unreported home deliveries conducted by traditional birth attendants.
The BHCPF and SOC Desk Officer, Mrs. Cynthia Amayo, explained that financial protection for the poor and vulnerable is largely delivered through two channels: the health insurance scheme, which enrolls disadvantaged individuals, and PHCs, which provide essential services. She commended both the Federal and State Governments for sustaining free healthcare for vulnerable groups — including children under five, pregnant women, and the elderly — and praised the SOC for ensuring that the benefits reach the most deprived communities.
In attendance were senior officials from the EDSPHCDA, Edo State Ministry of Health, Edo State Health Insurance Commission, and the National Health Insurance Authority, among others.
