The Edo State Health Insurance Commission on Tuesday enrolled 450 kids from five registered orphanages into the state health insurance scheme.
In addition to the enrollments, the commission settled outstanding hospital bills for several children whose parents or guardians could not afford medical treatment.
This intervention immediately relieved affected families and reinforced the government’s commitment to universal health coverage.
While emphasising the importance of inclusiveness in health care, the Director, Public Relations Unit of the Commission, Omonigho Trinitas, who represented the Director General of EDOHIC, Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, said every child deserves a healthy start in life.
She 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.
To cap off the celebration, the team distributed gift bags filled with essential items and treats to children at the orphanages and health facilities, sparking joy and smiles on the young beneficiaries’ faces.
