By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – AS part of its commitment to deepening health equity and accelerating universal health coverage, the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has launched the Philanthropist Health Initiative in partnership with public-spirited individuals to extend life-changing healthcare access to vulnerable residents across Edo Central Senatorial District during the yuletide season.

The Philanthropist Health Initiative is a strategic, partnership-driven programme designed to mobilise support from philanthropists, corporate organisations, community groups, and other well-meaning stakeholders to sponsor health insurance coverage for vulnerable citizens under the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme.

Under this initiative, enrolled beneficiaries are entitled to a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical consultations, maternal and child healthcare services, paediatric care, access to essential drugs, and a wide range of laboratory investigations.

Beneficiaries can also access these services across accredited public and private healthcare facilities within Edo Central.

The multi-day enrolment exercise kicked off in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area. It continued in Igueben then to Ewatto in Esan South East and concludedin Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.

Across the four locations, a total of 800 beneficiaries were successfully enrolled into the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme, with 200 beneficiaries captured in each Local Government Area.

This intervention aligns with the mandate of Governor Monday Okpebholo to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all Edo residents.

In her remarks on the exercise, the Director-General of EDOHIC, Dr. Mrs. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to expanding “health insurance coverage through innovative and inclusive partnerships.”

She noted that “the Philanthropist Health Initiative provides an open platform for politicians, public servants, corporate organisations through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, faith-based organisations, and well-meaning individuals to sponsor health insurance for vulnerable residents” adding that individuals can also use personal milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, and memorials to give back by enrolling beneficiaries into the scheme.

According to her, EDOHIC remains open to collaborations that would accelerate the achievement of Universal Health Coverage in the state.

She said “The exercise was made possible through the generous support of committed philanthropists including Chief (Dr.) Leemon Ikpea, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (Rtd), Engr. Tony Ikpea, Mr. Ewalefoh O. Jobson, Mr. Richard Inegbedion, Hon. Festus Ebea, Distinguished Senator Joseph I. Ikpea, and Hon. Dr. Jerry Uwangue.

“Their collective support highlights the vital role of private citizens in advancing health equity and serves as a call to action for more individuals, corporate organisations, and community leaders to partner with EDOHIC in extending healthcare protection to vulnerable Edo residents.”

Also speaking during the exercise, the Edo Central Regional Supervisor, Mr. Percy Oseghale Okuofo, described the initiative as a timely intervention that reflects the state government’s commitment to inclusive healthcare delivery.

Speaking at the Uromi enrolment exercise, one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Akhere Christopher commended the state government and the Commission for the initiative.