Edo State Strengthens Referral Healthcare System with Capacity Building for Central Hospital Desk Officers

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews

The Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has taken another significant step toward strengthening healthcare service delivery with the successful training and onboarding of desk officers at the Central Hospital, Benin City, following its recent designation as a referral centre under the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS).

The capacity-building initiative was designed to enhance effective referral management, improve claims processing efficiency, and promote quality, patient-centred service delivery for enrollees across the state. As frontline representatives of the health insurance scheme, desk officers were equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to serve as the first point of contact for beneficiaries, ensuring seamless navigation of healthcare services within the referral system.

Health sector stakeholders have commended the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his strategic leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening the state’s healthcare system. Since assuming office, the governor has prioritised access to affordable and quality healthcare as a cornerstone of his administration’s human capital development agenda.

Similarly, accolades have been extended to the Director General of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission, Mrs. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, for her visionary leadership and sustained drive toward institutional efficiency and service excellence. Under her stewardship, EDOHIC has continued to implement reforms that enhance operational effectiveness, accountability, and improved health outcomes for residents of Edo State.

Speaking through the training programme, the Commission reiterated its commitment to delivering quality, affordable, and patient-centred healthcare services, while ensuring that healthcare providers and administrative personnel are adequately trained to meet global best practices.

The designation of Central Hospital, Benin City, as a referral centre, coupled with the targeted training of its desk officers, is expected to significantly improve continuity of care, reduce service bottlenecks, and strengthen public confidence in the state’s health insurance system.

Residents of Edo State are encouraged to enrol in the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme to enjoy seamless access to quality healthcare services across accredited facilities in the state. Interested individuals can call 08073060807 to get started.