Strengthening Healthcare Through Training and Reform
The Edo Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has taken significant steps to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery in Edo State. At the forefront of these efforts is Dr. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, the Director General of EDOHIC, who has underscored the importance of repositioning the state’s healthcare system with a stronger emphasis on patient-centered care, clinical excellence, and ethical responsibility.
This initiative aligns with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by the commission and reinforces its emergency response policy, ensuring that no enrollee is denied urgent care due to administrative challenges. The push for improvement was highlighted in a statement released by Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo following a one-day training session on quality care and best practices for health service providers. The event took place at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin and was also attended virtually by participants from Edo North and Central regions, who gathered in Ekpoma and Auchi respectively.
Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo emphasized the state government’s commitment to continuous professional development, noting that the training was well-timed and aligned with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE agenda. This agenda aims to improve the health sector through capacity building, infrastructure development, and technology integration. By empowering frontline healthcare workers, the goal is to ensure they deliver services with compassion, competence, and accountability.
The overarching objective is to build a resilient healthcare system where quality is the standard, and best practices are embedded at every level of service delivery. This approach is crucial for achieving Universal Health Coverage, which remains a key priority for the state.
“The goal of this training is to enhance the knowledge base, ethical standards, and acquaint participants with the revised Standard Operating Procedures and professional competencies of health service providers in alignment with global best practices and the Edo State Government’s ongoing healthcare reforms,” Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo stated.
The training featured Chief Medical Officers across the state and included interactive sessions led by experienced facilitators and health experts. Topics covered included strategic direction under Governor Okpebholo’s administration, a comprehensive review of package benefits, efficient claims management, and effective communication among other critical areas.
In addition to Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo, Dr. Osayuki Edosa-Iyayi, the Director of Health Services and Standards Department of EDOHIC, also addressed the participants. She highlighted the importance of strong and efficient healthcare providers in ensuring the sustainability of any healthcare system. Dr. Edosa-Iyayi noted the growth in the number of facilities under the EDOHIC scheme and reiterated the commission’s mission to provide accessible and affordable health services.
She shared key statistics showing the impact of the insurance program since 2022, including over 276,300 Edo residents receiving care, 1011 surgeries conducted since 2023, and 474 deliveries recorded since 2021 across the three Senatorial districts in the state.
Participants in the training, which included healthcare service providers, public health workers, and administrators, engaged in interactive sessions and shared insights on the challenges within the system. They praised EDOHIC for the insightful and transformative nature of the training, describing it as both empowering and professionally enriching.
The attendees expressed a renewed sense of commitment to raising the bar in healthcare service delivery and pledged to uphold excellence and patient dignity in every aspect of their work.
This event marked a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen the healthcare system in Edo State, ensuring that it meets the needs of its residents while adhering to the highest standards of care.
