By Edward Oseghe
The Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has intensified efforts to close critical data gaps and strengthen accountability in primary healthcare delivery, as part of a broader push to improve service efficiency and expand access to quality care across the state.
At a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held Wednesday at the Commission’s headquarters in Benin City, key actors in the health sector converged to review system performance, identify operational lapses, and agree on practical steps to enhance outcomes at the grassroots.
Participants included Medical Officers of Health, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers, and representatives from all 18 Local Government Areas.
Central to deliberations was the growing concern over poor data quality, which officials described as a major impediment to effective planning and service delivery.
The Director-General of EDOHIC, in her address, acknowledged improvements in supervisory activities across Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) but warned that persistent inaccuracies, delays, and inconsistencies in data reporting continue to undermine progress.
“Data remains the backbone of our operations. It is indispensable for informed decision-making, resource allocation, and ensuring that healthcare services reach the most vulnerable,” she said.
She linked the Commission’s renewed focus to the Edo State Government’s SHINE Agenda under Governor Monday Okpebholo, noting that a stronger health system is critical to achieving sustainable development goals.
A performance review presented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Owen Omorogbe, covered the second to fourth quarters of 2025, highlighting interventions under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and the State Equity Programme.
While some LGAs recorded measurable progress, data integrity challenges persisted across board.
Dr. Omorogbe identified issues such as poor image quality in digital submissions, illegible records, incomplete data fields, and delayed reporting as recurring setbacks. He disclosed that the Commission has adopted a hybrid reporting system combining digital and manual processes, in line with the National Health Insurance Authority’s two-week reporting mandate.
Stakeholders also raised concerns over discrepancies between facility and LGA data, absence of comprehensive enrollee registers, and delays in report collation. Calls were made for expanded digital solutions and sustained capacity-building for frontline officers.
Reaffirming the Commission’s stance, Dr. Omorogbe stressed the critical role of M&E officers in maintaining reporting standards and announced plans to strengthen supervision and validation processes. He also reiterated commitment to the “Treat and Enrol” policy to ensure vulnerable residents are not denied care.
The meeting further spotlighted performance disparities among LGAs, with Etsako Central earning commendation, while others were urged to improve compliance.
Resolutions reached included standardising reporting timelines, enhancing training, improving financial accountability, and enforcing the use of the National Identification Number for healthcare access.
EDOHIC maintained that sustained collaboration and strict adherence to data standards remain vital to achieving universal health coverage in Edo State.
 has intensified efforts to close critical data gaps and strengthen accountability in primary healthcare delivery, as part of a broader push to improve service efficiency and expand access to quality care across the state.){kind=link}