The Commissioner for Health in Edo State, Prof. Obehi Akoria, has issued a rallying cry to residents enrolled in the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) to capitalize on the funding made available for indigent individuals in the state to access top-notch healthcare services.
Expressing concern over the limited number of beneficiaries since the activation of the healthcare fund in 2021, Prof. Akoria emphasized that fewer than 50 enrollees have actually availed themselves of the services.
The Commissioner highlighted that two of the three BHCPF gateways, funded by the Federal Government with one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund and complemented by counterpart funding from the Edo State Government, are currently operational within the state. These gateways consist of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) and the Edo Health Insurance (EDHIC).
Encouraging eligible individuals in Edo State to tap into this extraordinary funding opportunity, which aims to ensure the provision of quality basic healthcare services and reduce out-of-pocket expenses, Prof. Akoria stated, “In the last couple of months, we have experienced significant growth in BHCPF enrollment.”
She added, “Initially, our focus was on the Edo South Senatorial District for practical reasons, but over the past three months, the Edo State Health Insurance Commission has expanded enrollment to residents in Edo Central and Edo North senatorial zones. From just over 2000 enrollees, we now have 29,211 enrollees across the state as of June 30, 2021.”
Prof. Akoria revealed that dedicated efforts have been made to directly contact thousands of enrollees, identifying that a majority of those who should be benefiting from the healthcare funding are missing out. Presently, 142 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in the state have received capitation to provide free healthcare services to the underprivileged and other vulnerable residents.
Furthermore, Prof. Akoria announced the establishment of the State Oversight Committee, which collaborates closely with the EDSPHCDA and EDHIC to ensure efficient and effective utilization of the funding.
The Commissioner reiterated the commitment to improving access to high-quality healthcare services throughout the state, including rural communities and indigent individuals, and urged all eligible residents to take full advantage of the BHCPF in order to access free, basic, and quality healthcare.
Prof. Akoria acknowledged the exceptional performance in BHCPF implementation by the Heads of Local Government Administration and PHC staff in the Esan South East, Igueben, and Owan East LGAs. Notably, Nurse Thelma Kokobili of Uteh Primary Healthcare Center in Ikpoba-Okha LGA received special recognition for topping the charts in performance.
