Photo Credit: The Sun Nigeria / Office of the Edo Deputy Governor
Idahosa Flags Off Health Insurance Scheme for 4,000 Residents in Ovia
Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has launched a health insurance programme that will provide free healthcare coverage for about 4,000 residents of Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas.
The scheme, facilitated by Idahosa during his time as member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, is being implemented under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, over 2,000 beneficiaries have already been enrolled and their cards activated, while a second batch will bring the total to 4,000.
The NHIA cards were formally presented to the deputy governor and the current member representing Ovia Federal Constituency, Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion, by the Edo State Coordinator of NHIA, Dr. Theodore Ehannire, in Benin.
Speaking at the presentation, Idahosa said the initiative is aimed at reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses and expanding access to quality healthcare for vulnerable residents.
“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,” he said.
Dr. Ehannire explained that all medical bills under the scheme have been fully paid, so beneficiaries will not make direct payments at the point of care. He said the package covers medical consultations, treatment, minor surgeries, and maternal health services including safe delivery for pregnant women.
In her remarks, Hon. Igbinedion described the programme as a people-oriented intervention, noting that good governance must be measured not only by physical infrastructure but by initiatives that improve quality of life.
“There is no price that can be placed on health because health is wealth and life itself,” she said, adding that the scheme will help reduce self-medication and improve maternal and child healthcare.
Distribution of the activated NHIA cards to beneficiaries is expected to commence shortly at accredited hospitals across the state.
Source: The Sun Nigeria –