Enough Is Enough! Edo Health Chief Slams Hospitals, Urges Human-Focused Healthcare Model

The Director General of the Edo Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC), Dr. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, has stressed the urgent need to transform the state’s healthcare delivery by prioritising patient-centred care, clinical excellence, and ethical medical practices.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released on Saturday following a one-day training session for healthcare providers, Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo reaffirmed that this approach aligns with EDOHIC’s revised Standard Operating Procedures and reinforces its emergency response policy—ensuring that no enrolled patient is denied emergency treatment due to administrative bottlenecks.

The training, held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City, also had virtual participation from health professionals in Edo North and Central senatorial districts who gathered at Ekpoma and Auchi, respectively.

Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo highlighted the Edo State Government’s commitment to ongoing professional development for healthcare workers, stating that the training reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda aimed at revitalising the health sector through capacity building, infrastructure investment, and digital transformation. These reforms, she said, are designed to empower frontline workers to deliver healthcare with empathy, competence, and accountability.

“Our goal is to build a resilient health system where quality care is the norm and best practices are seamlessly integrated into every level of service delivery to achieve Universal Health Coverage,” she stated.

She added that the training aimed to deepen participants’ knowledge, reinforce ethical standards, and align provider competencies with global best practices and Edo’s evolving healthcare policies.

Chief Medical Officers from across the state participated in the sessions, which were facilitated by industry experts and covered vital areas including policy direction under the Okpebholo administration, claims management, benefits review, and effective provider-patient communication.

Speaking during the training, Dr. Osayuki Edosa-Iyayi, Director of Health Services and Standards at EDOHIC, emphasised that the sustainability of any health system relies heavily on the capacity and efficiency of its service providers. She noted the expanding footprint of facilities under EDOHIC and revealed that the scheme has delivered care to over 276,300 Edo residents since 2022, facilitated 1,011 surgeries since 2023, and supported 474 childbirths since 2021 across the three senatorial zones.

Participants praised the training for its practical value and transformative content, describing it as both motivational and professionally rewarding. Many pledged to uphold higher standards in healthcare delivery and to treat patients with dignity and respect.

The event brought together a wide array of healthcare professionals, including public health officials, service providers, and administrators from across Edo State.