By Edward Oseghe
The Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that residents across the state continue to enjoy accessible and affordable healthcare under the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme, in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda.
Addressing journalists in Benin City, the Director-General of the Commission, Dr. (Mrs.) Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, stated that EDOHIC remains fully operational, with thousands of enrollees benefiting daily from its services. She emphasized that the Commission continues to deliver on its mandate of expanding healthcare access, improving efficiency, and ensuring accountability in service delivery.
According to Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo, the Commission has introduced several system upgrades to enhance user experience and streamline operations. One of such innovations, she noted, is the introduction of identification cards for dependents, a measure designed to eliminate delays at healthcare facilities by reducing the need for prior authorization.
“This initiative has significantly simplified enrollee processing and improved access to care,” she said.
EDOHIC, she added, has also strengthened its service quality and accountability mechanisms. Complaints from enrollees are promptly investigated, and refunds are issued where providers are found at fault. Facilities that breach established guidelines face disciplinary actions, including public naming during quarterly provider meetings.
“Our strict accountability measures send a strong signal — we have zero tolerance for poor service delivery. Beneficiaries must be confident that their enrolment guarantees them access to the care they deserve,” Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo asserted.
To promote transparency and responsiveness, the Commission operates an open-door policy, encouraging enrollees with service-related issues to visit any EDOHIC office for immediate assistance. This, she said, reinforces the Commission’s commitment to accountability and customer satisfaction.
The Director-General further noted that EDOHIC’s resilience and continuity are protected by state legislation and federal support, ensuring its sustainability regardless of political transitions. She disclosed that the Commission’s performance and impact have recently earned it multiple awards and recognitions, reflecting alignment with both local healthcare needs and international best practices.
Despite socio-economic and political challenges, Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo expressed optimism about the Commission’s future, citing the strong leadership and health-focused vision of Governor Okpebholo, whose SHINE Agenda prioritizes universal health coverage for all Edo residents.
“The scheme is active, functional, and many people are benefiting from it every day. With the support of His Excellency and the trust of our enrollees, we remain committed to sustaining affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all Edo people,” she reaffirmed.
She concluded that EDOHIC’s greatest success lies in the thousands of Edo residents who now access hospital care without the fear of catastrophic health expenses. With efficient systems, active enrollees, and strong institutional backing, the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme continues to deliver tangible impact across communities in the state.
