Lagos urges residents to maximize Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme

Lagos State Government has urged residents to fully leverage the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme, introduced to address their healthcare needs with ease.

Speaking at a media briefing to mark Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2024, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), emphasized that the scheme has already enrolled over 1.1 million residents.

According to him, as of December 2023, the enrollment stood at 923,000, and the number grew by 229,455 individuals over the past year.

Dr. Zamba highlighted that the state is committed to improving public awareness about the scheme.

Noted that plans are underway to launch a dedicated radio station aimed at educating Lagosians on the importance of health insurance.

The government encouraged residents who are aware of the benefits of the scheme to help spread the word, while also welcoming feedback from the public to improve the service.

Additionally, LASHMA has set up a 30-member customer care team to address any issues.

Earlier this year, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, signed an Executive Order to enforce the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act and strengthen the Lagos State Health Scheme Law of 2015, making enrollment in Ilera Eko mandatory for all residents.

This is aimed at ensuring broader access to quality healthcare services.

Dr. Zamba reiterated that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a fundamental human right, allowing everyone to access the healthcare services they need without financial strain.

She stated that Lagos State has made significant progress toward achieving UHC, with the Ilera Eko scheme playing a central role in this effort since the introduction of the Lagos State Health Scheme Law in 2015. The initiative is designed to protect residents from catastrophic health expenses and provide access to quality care.

She also emphasized the importance of investing in health, noting that a healthier population leads to a more productive workforce, stronger communities, and greater national resilience. The government’s efforts to expand Ilera Eko have been driven by political will, strategic funding, and policies focused on meeting the needs of vulnerable populations.

The Permanent Secretary outlined the agency’s growth initiatives, including the establishment of partnerships with healthcare providers to ensure effective service delivery. The Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) was mentioned as a key component in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, ensuring no one is excluded in the state’s pursuit of UHC.

Tayo Adetoro, Head of Monitoring & Evaluation, also confirmed that since the inception of the Ilera Eko scheme, a total of 1,152,455 residents have enrolled. The agency continues to collaborate with other organizations to expand the scheme’s reach and impact, ensuring it benefits as many people as possible.

Daily Sun