The Edo State Health Insurance Commission has enrolled 450 orphaned children into its health scheme and settled hospital bills for others, marking Children’s Day with a push for inclusive healthcare

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a significant outreach to commemorate this year’s International Children’s Day, the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has enrolled 450 children from five registered orphanages into the state’s health insurance scheme.

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Beyond the enrollments, the commission also took steps to provide immediate relief to struggling families by settling outstanding hospital bills for several children whose parents or guardians could not afford medical care. This initiative reinforces the Edo State government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage.

Speaking on Tuesday during the outreach, Omonigho Trinitas, Director of the Public Relations Unit of EDOHIC, who represented the Director General, Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, emphasized the importance of inclusive healthcare.

“Every child deserves a healthy start in life,” she stated. “This initiative is part of our broader vision to leave no one behind, especially those at the margins of society.”

Every child deserves a healthy start in life. This initiative is part of our broader vision to leave no one behind, especially those at the margins of society.

Trinitas highlighted that the Children’s Day outreach not only brought joy to the beneficiaries but also reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s dedication to child health and welfare, describing it as a clear demonstration of compassionate governance and proactive healthcare delivery.

As part of the statewide effort, EDOHIC visited five registered orphanages and three government health facilities across Edo South, Edo Central, and Edo North senatorial districts.

These visits included various activities aimed at improving child welfare and enhancing access to healthcare for vulnerable children.

“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 that they now have access to quality and affordable healthcare,” Trinitas confirmed.

She reiterated that this initiative perfectly aligns with the commission’s mandate to provide equitable health coverage to all residents, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable populations.

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To conclude the celebration, EDOHIC distributed gift bags filled with essential items and treats to children at both the orphanages and health facilities, sparking smiles and happiness among the young recipients.