The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has made a remarkable move by approving free health insurance for pensioners and members of the State’s Security Vigilante Network.
The initiative aims to provide quality and affordable healthcare for senior citizens and improve universal health coverage for all residents.
Under Governor Obaseki’s leadership, Edo State has allocated N1bn to fund the free health insurance service, showing a strong commitment to the welfare of its citizens. The coverage will reduce out-of-pocket expenses for pensioners and vigilantes, relieving their financial stress and providing stability.
The Director-General of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission, Dr. Rock Amegor, praised Governor Obaseki for being a leader in prioritizing the health of pensioners. He urged all pensioners in the state’s 18 local government areas to seize this opportunity and enroll as soon as the enrollment process details are announced.
He said, “We want to thank the Governor of Edo State for this initiative and for being a leader as Edo State is the second State in Nigeria offering free health insurance for pensioners.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on all pensioners in the 18 local government areas of Edo State to take advantage and enroll as soon as the enrollment process details are out.”
“As part of the government’s initiative for Universal Health Coverage for citizens of the State, Edo State Government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki has decided to offer free health insurance for pensioners in the 18 local government areas of the State.
“This initiative has been motivated by the economic downturn as pensioners who have served us should not worry about paying out-of-pocket when they visit the health care facilities as it brings stability to the pensioners.
“The service covers comprehensive medical care that can address about 70 to 80 per cent of all medical challenges expected at one point in our lives and the services include medical, eye, and dental care among other care.
“We thank the Edo State Government and urge other state governors to follow Edo State’s example to ensure our pensioners are covered and need not worry about their health.”
The free health insurance service covers comprehensive medical care, including medical, eye, and dental care, among other vital services. This significant initiative will tackle approximately 70 to 80 percent of all medical challenges that pensioners may encounter, improving their overall quality of life.
The government’s commitment to digitalization ensures the effective management of information, making the enrollment process smooth. With over 11,000 details already recorded in the electronic system, the government will verify the profiles of pensioners, ensuring accuracy and efficient service delivery.
The onboarding process for pensioners and vigilante operatives will start on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the Festival Hall in the Government House. The financial cost of the scheme exceeds N1 billion, covering 12,000 pensioners, 4,000 members of the Edo State Security Vigilante Network, and additional beneficiaries. The implementation will begin in the first quarter of 2024, with the government investing over a billion naira into the Edo Health Insurance Scheme.
Dr. Amegor stressed that the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme has already covered over 200,000 people, including civil servants and their dependents. With 302 facilities available, the scheme will cater to the specific needs of pensioners and vigilante members, ensuring they receive comprehensive healthcare services that meet the highest standards.
