EDOHIC, Rabiu Olowo Foundation lift 200 sickle cell patients into health insurance cover

BENIN CITY — Two hundred persons living with sickle cell disease across Edo State have been enrolled in the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS) through a partnership between the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) and the Rabiu Olowo Foundation.

The intervention, which seeks to ease the financial burden of accessing regular medical care for affected families, was formally launched on Friday, September 18, at the Edo State Sickle Cell Centre, Central Hospital, Benin City.

The beneficiaries, drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, comprise 100 residents from Edo South and 50 each from Edo North and Edo Central.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of EDOHIC, Dr. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, commended the Rabiu Olowo Foundation for its commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society and strengthening access to healthcare through strategic partnerships.

She said the initiative aligned with the Commission’s broader commitment to ensuring that vulnerable residents were not left behind in Edo State’s drive towards Universal Health Coverage.

According to her, EDOHIC would continue to promote and support interventions capable of improving access to quality healthcare, particularly for residents who face financial barriers to obtaining essential medical services.

Dr. Ikpea-Enaholo assured the beneficiaries that the Commission would continue to support initiatives aimed at expanding health insurance coverage across the state.

“There would be more interventions like this in the State,” she said, while urging the beneficiaries and their parents to make effective use of the opportunity and continue to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

Also speaking, the General Manager of the Rabiu Olowo Foundation, Mr. George Oche, said families affected by sickle cell disease often contend with significant emotional and financial pressures arising from the need for consistent medical care.

He explained that the intervention was designed to support such families and reduce the healthcare burden associated with managing the condition.

Oche reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the wellbeing of vulnerable persons and make essential healthcare more accessible to those in need.

A parent who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to EDOHIC and the Foundation, describing the insurance coverage as a significant support to families managing the healthcare needs associated with sickle cell disease.

The parent urged other organisations and individuals to support initiatives that improve access to healthcare for persons living with the condition.

The intervention, stakeholders noted, underscores the importance of collaboration between government institutions and philanthropic organisations in extending health insurance coverage and strengthening financial protection for vulnerable populations.

Through the partnership, EDOHIC and the Rabiu Olowo Foundation reaffirmed their commitment to expanding healthcare access and reducing the financial burden of medical care on families affected by sickle cell disease across Edo State.