Edo pledges a responsive health system urges citizens’ ownership of reforms

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, has reiterated the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s commitment to decentralizing the health care system and strengthening the sector to bring quality healthcare closer to residents in Edo State.

Prof. Akoria, who stated this while addressing journalists, noted that enrolments into the Edo Health Insurance Scheme (EDHIC) are ongoing, with a goal of reducing the burden of Out-of-Pocket Spending (OOPS) on healthcare, so that no resident is unable to access basic healthcare at the point of need.

She emphasized the importance of healthcare financing in achieving sustainable development and economic growth in the state and called for citizen ownership of ongoing healthcare reforms.

The medical professional said, “We need synergy between Edo residents and Government to achieve the improvements in healthcare quality that we all desire”.

Noting that health should not be seen as an aspect of life to be attended to only when there are noticeable signs and symptoms of illness or disease conditions, the Commissioner stated, “Every organization, community, household, and individual should think and plan for their health as a priority, by making choices that promote their health and seek quality promotive and preventive healthcare.”

Prof Akoria further noted that good-hearted Edo sons and daughters, at home and in the Diaspora, could ‘gift’ access to healthcare by paying insurance premiums for persons who are less privileged.

This, she said, “would complement government’s ongoing investments in healthcare for the vulnerable, through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).”

The Commissioner also encouraged residents in Edo State who are enrolled in EDHIC to send comments (commendations or critiques) about their experiences to 09016350001, assuring that all feedback would be judiciously addressed.