Gov. Obaseki imposes compulsory health insurance certificate in Edo

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has imposed compulsory Health Insurance Certificate on residents of the state. The State government, therefore made Edo State Health Insurance Compliance Certificate/Health Insurance Identity Card mandatory for business registration.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, in a statement, asserted that the health insurance certificate has become mandatory requirement for registration of business premises, renewal and permits for public and private organisations and for securing government permit.

Osarodion in the statement declared: “The Government is committed to improving the social and economic wellbeing of Edo people and calls on the general public to collaborate with the government in achieving her vision to engender sustainable growth and development.

“The State Government through the Edo State Health Insurance Commission hereby brings to the notice of the general public that Edo State Health Insurance Compliance Certificate/Health Insurance Identity Card is now a mandatory document for obtaining any form of Government authorisation which include business premises registration, renewal and permits for public/private organisations, SMEs, NGOs, etc.

“This certificate is a prerequisite for any individual/business who wishes to carry out any form of government process through any of the Ministries and Government parastatals in Edo State.

“Consequently, all organisations, private and public, including Non-Governmental Organizations that are yet to obtain the Edo State Health Insurance Commission Certificate are hereby advised to visit Edo State Health Insurance Commission, 6th and 8th Floor, Block C, Secretariat Building, Sapele Road, Benin City, for more information.”

Meanwhile, the decision has begun to precipitate disquiet in the state.