By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY — The Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has emphasised the importance of credible data collection as a critical tool for improving healthcare delivery across the state.

The commission made this known during a stakeholders’ engagement involving Medical Officers of Health (MOHs), Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officers, and representatives from the 18 Local Government Areas.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director-General of EDOHIC, Dr. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, commended participants for their commitment to advancing grassroots healthcare but expressed concern over persistent gaps in data quality.

“Data remains the backbone of our operations. It is indispensable for informed decision-making, resource allocation, and ensuring that healthcare services are delivered efficiently to the most vulnerable populations,” she said.

Ikpea-Enaholo stressed the need for sustained collaboration, transparency, and accountability to ensure the success of the state’s health insurance scheme, noting that the ultimate goal is to guarantee equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents.

She added that the drive for improved data collection aligns with the SHINE Agenda of the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration, which prioritises strengthening health systems and expanding access to care.

Also speaking, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Owen Omorogbe, presented a review of the commission’s performance for the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2025.

He highlighted key intervention programmes, including the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the State Equity Programme, while outlining performance indicators such as business plan submissions, supervision, service utilisation, and data reporting standards.

Omorogbe identified poor data quality as a recurring challenge, noting that both state and national health planning frameworks depend heavily on reliable data. He urged stakeholders to adopt best practices in data management and participate in ongoing capacity-building initiatives.

In her contribution, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for Owan West, Okakah Anthonia Funmilayo, called for improved data reporting through consistent follow-up with Officers-in-Charge at health facilities.

The meeting also highlighted disparities in performance among local government areas, with Etsako Central commended for strong compliance, while underperforming councils were urged to improve in data reporting, supervision, and service delivery.

Key resolutions reached at the meeting included the standardisation of data submission timelines, wider dissemination of updated enrollee lists, intensified training programmes, and stronger financial accountability measures at the facility level.

EDOHIC also reiterated the importance of the National Identification Number (NIN) as a requirement for accessing healthcare services, in line with national policy directives.