The Edo State Government has launched a health insurance programme that will provide affordable healthcare services to 4,000 residents of the Ovia Federal Constituency, as part of efforts to improve access to quality medical care and reduce the financial burden of healthcare.
The initiative, which covers Ovia North East and Ovia South West Local Government Areas, was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Benin by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Friday Aghedo.
According to Aghedo, the programme was conceived during the tenure of Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa when he represented the Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
He explained that the first phase of the programme has already enrolled more than 2,000 beneficiaries, while additional enrolments will increase the total number of beneficiaries to 4,000 in the next phase.
As part of the rollout, the Edo State Coordinator of the National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, Mr. Theodore Ehannire, presented health insurance cards to Deputy Governor Idahosa and the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ms. Omosede Igbinedion, during a ceremony in Benin.
Speaking at the event, Idahosa described the initiative as a strategic investment in the wellbeing of the people, noting that quality healthcare should be accessible to all, regardless of their financial status.
He said the programme would significantly reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for residents while expanding access to quality healthcare services.
According to the deputy governor, meaningful governance goes beyond the provision of physical infrastructure and must also prioritize investments in public health and human development.
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“This intervention is aimed at ensuring that our people have access to quality healthcare without the financial burden that often prevents many from seeking timely medical attention,” Idahosa said.
Earlier, NHIA State Coordinator Theodore Ehannire explained that all healthcare costs under the scheme had been fully prepaid, allowing beneficiaries to receive medical treatment at accredited hospitals without making direct payments.
He noted that the insurance package covers a wide range of healthcare services, including medical consultations, treatment for common illnesses, maternal healthcare, minor surgical procedures and other essential medical interventions.
Ehannire said the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s drive toward achieving Universal Health Coverage, UHC, by ensuring that more Nigerians have access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
Also speaking, Omosede Igbinedion described the programme as a people-centred intervention that would improve the health outcomes of residents across the constituency.
She said the initiative would help reduce cases of self-medication, promote safer maternal healthcare and improve the overall wellbeing of vulnerable members of the community.
Igbinedion commended the Edo State Government and the National Health Insurance Authority for expanding healthcare access, expressing optimism that the programme would make a lasting impact on the lives of beneficiaries.
NAN
