By  Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – AS part of activities to mark the 2025 Children’s Day, the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) on Tuesday embarked on an outreach where it enrolled 450 kids from five registered orphanages and three government health facilities into the state health insurance scheme.

Besides the registration, the Commission also settled hospital bills for several children whose parents or guardians could not afford medical treatment.

Speaking during the outreach, the Director General of EDOHIC, Mrs. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, emphasized the importance of inclusiveness in healthcare.

She said”Every child deserves a healthy start in life. Today’s outreach is part of our broader vision to leave no one behind, especially those in the margins of society.

“Edo children are important to Senator Monday Okpebholo, who will do all to ensure the children are protected, and we are here to ensure every child is happy,” she said.

Represented by the Director, Public Relations Unit of the Commission, Omonigho Trinitas, Ikpea-Enaholo, said that the outreach is part of the commission’s broader vision to leave no one behind, especially those in the margins of society.

She added, “The Children’s Day outreach by EDOHIC not only brought cheer but also reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s dedication to child health and welfare, setting an example of compassionate governance and proactive healthcare delivery.

“In a heartfelt gesture to commemorate this year’s Children’s Day, EDOHIC embarked on a statewide outreach, bringing hope and healthcare support to hundreds of vulnerable children across Edo State.

“The Commission visited five registered orphanage homes and three government health facilities spread across the three senatorial districts, Edo South, Edo Central, and Edo North, in a series of activities aimed at improving child welfare and access to healthcare.

“A major highlight of the celebration was the enrollment of over 450 orphans from the visited orphanage homes into the Edo State health insurance scheme, ensuring they now have access to quality and affordable healthcare.

“In addition to the enrollments, the Commission settled outstanding hospital bills for several children whose parents or guardians could not afford medical treatment which provided immediate relief to affected families and reinforced the government’s commitment to universal health coverage.”

She stated that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s mandate to provide equitable health coverage to all residents, especially the most vulnerable.

The Commission also distributed gift bags filled with essential items and treats to children at both the orphanages and health facilities, sparking joy and smiles on the faces of the young beneficiaries.