Beneficiary of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Program of the Federal Goverment of Nigeria in Primary Healthcare Centres across the Country have been assured of a more accountable, and transparent service delivery.
The Director General of the Edo State Health Insurance Comision, EDOHIC,Barr.Augusta Ikpea disclosed this at a revalidation sensitization programme in Oredo and Egor Local Goverment Area of the State.
According to Ikpea,”ahead of the validation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund enrollee using the National Identification Number (NIN) will be dependent on their registration on the national social register, with the NIN (National Identification Number) chosen as the most applicable means of identification”
She said, “the gathering is of utmost importance because its partners are the community,facility leadership levels are the backbone of our Primary Healthcare system”
Ikpea added that the BHCF validation process is not just an administrative process as it is a critical step where resources are rightly directed, service reaches those who need them the most and our healthcare system continue to grow stronger by linking with the NIN.
According to Ikpea, we are building a more accountable,transparent sustainable foundation for healthcare financing in Edo State.
Speaking at the event,in Egor and Oredo Local Government Council Headquarters, the Head of Planning,Research and Statistics, Edo Health Insurance Commission,Dr. Omoregbe Owen expressed excitement over the revalidation exercise between the EDOHIS and (BHCPF).
“We are very excited about the fact that Stakeholders at different levels in our communities under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCF) have begin to mobilise facilities manager and assistants, ward development committee chairmen as well as town crier announcers to come and be part of the sensitization meeting to prepare the vulnerable person in the forthcoming BHCF re-enrolment exercise as well NIN validation programme” he said.
The meeting followed the directive of the Federal Government that, henceforth, access of the free health care services will be dependent on their registration on the national social register, with the NIN (National Identification Number) chosen as the most applicable means of identification.
During the engagement, stakeholders were informed that beneficiaries are expected to present their NIN for validation to access the programme. However, for those without an existing NIN, arrangements have been made for on-the-spot generation of new NINs, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The EDOHIC further noted that the programme is specifically targeted at the vulnerable population, including pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the poorest of the poor, ensuring that those who need it most can access quality healthcare without financial hardship.
The revalidation exercise will cover 43 communities in Edo South, 37 in Edo Central, and 55 in Edo North, guaranteeing fair representation and inclusion across the state.
Addressing participants, the Commission emphasized that the integration of the NIN system into the BHCPF is designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of healthcare benefits.
Stakeholders at the event described the move as a “people-centered innovation”, noting that it will simplify enrolment, reduce duplication, and ensure that only eligible residents benefit from the scheme.
With over 300,000 Edo residents already enrolled under various health insurance programs and more than 122 facilities on boarded, the revalidation exercise is expected to expand universal health coverage and further safeguard the health of women, children, and other vulnerable groups
