…1.3 Million Residents Enrolled on Ilera-Eko
…As LASHMA Renews Drive Towards Compulsory Health Insurance
By Kehinde KOLAWOLE
In a determined effort to ensure healthcare that is accessible, affordable, and equitable for all its residents, the Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the Lagos State Health Scheme, popularly known as Ilera-Eko.
According to a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs of the ministry, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, it states that during the Media Parley commemorating the 2024 Universal Health Coverage celebrations, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), highlighted the strides made since the Lagos State Health Scheme Law was enacted in 2015. According to Dr. Zamba, the law has been instrumental in expanding healthcare access and reducing disparities, bringing the state closer to its UHC goals.
She emphasized the government’s unwavering dedication to building a healthcare system that leaves no one behind, underpinned by Ilera-Eko’s focus on inclusivity and affordability. The scheme, she noted, reflects Lagos’ vision of providing comprehensive health services to its growing population, ensuring that healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
With these efforts, Lagos State continues to set an example in prioritizing the health and well-being of its citizens, driving home the message that universal health is achievable with consistent policies and strategic execution.
The Lagos State Government continues its trailblazing efforts towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with over 1.3 million residents now enrolled in its flagship Ilera-Eko scheme, which provides comprehensive healthcare services.
Speaking at a Media Parley during the 2024 UHC celebrations, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), highlighted the government’s commitment to making healthcare a fundamental right, not a privilege. “Universal Health Coverage is not just a global ideal; it is a fundamental human right,” she affirmed, adding that investing in health strengthens society by fostering a productive workforce and enhancing national resilience.
Dr. Zamba noted the scheme’s impressive growth, which has been driven by an improved enrolment process and targeted public awareness campaigns. She also revealed that the benefits package had been expanded to address the dynamic healthcare needs of Lagosians, ensuring the scheme remains relevant and impactful.
The Ilera-Eko scheme reflects Lagos State’s vision of inclusive healthcare, providing affordable and accessible medical services to its residents and solidifying its position as a leader in the drive for UHC in Nigeria.
The Lagos State Government has reinforced its commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the implementation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order mandating enrolment in the Ilera-Eko scheme for all residents. This development, aligned with the domestication of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, aims to ensure accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for every Lagosian.
At a Media Parley commemorating the 2024 UHC celebrations, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), applauded the state’s partnership with healthcare providers across Lagos, which guarantees enrollees receive top-notch and comprehensive medical services. She emphasized that the new mandate underscores the state’s unwavering dedication to making healthcare a right, not a privilege.
Dr. Zamba revealed plans for extensive public awareness campaigns to drive compliance with the mandatory health insurance law, leveraging media platforms to educate residents on the benefits of Ilera-Eko. “Your platforms are vital in educating the public and ensuring that every Lagos resident understands their role in achieving UHC,” she urged journalists.
She also highlighted strategic steps to enhance service delivery, including leveraging technology, expanding the network of healthcare providers, and maintaining high standards of care. “Plans are underway to use innovative solutions to ensure seamless enrolment and high-quality service delivery for all,” she added.
With these efforts, Lagos State continues to set a benchmark for inclusive healthcare, ensuring no resident is left behind in its quest for universal health access.
Mrs. Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro, Head of Planning, Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), has highlighted the remarkable progress of the Ilera-Eko scheme in providing affordable and accessible healthcare to residents. Speaking during the 2024 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) celebrations, she emphasized the scheme’s comprehensive reach, supported by a robust network of public and private healthcare providers across all Local Government Areas.
Ilera-Eko ensures that no Lagosian is left behind,” Tayo-Adetoro stated, lauding its affordability and inclusivity. She underscored the significance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order mandating universal enrolment, aligning with the National Health Insurance Authority Act of 2022 to fortify the state’s commitment to health equity.
With the scheme’s expansive network and recent enhancements, Lagos State continues to demonstrate leadership in advancing UHC, ensuring that quality healthcare is not just a goal but a reality for every resident.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has introduced groundbreaking measures to simplify enrollment and enhance healthcare accessibility under the Ilera-Eko scheme. According to Mrs. Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro, Head of Planning, Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation at LASHMA, these innovations are designed to bring quality healthcare closer to residents and ensure no one is left behind.
A key initiative is the collaboration with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), which enables residents to register for Ilera-Eko at any of LASRRA’s 62 outlets across the state. “This partnership eliminates barriers to enrollment, making it easier for residents to access healthcare services,” Tayo-Adetoro explained.
Additionally, the agency launched the “Drug Access Expansion” program in April 2024, allowing enrollees to obtain prescribed medications from over 300 community pharmacies. “This initiative ensures convenience and continuity of care, especially for those managing chronic conditions,” she noted.
Highlighting support for vulnerable populations, Tayo-Adetoro underscored the impact of the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA), which provides free or subsidized healthcare to indigent residents. “EKOSHA bridges the gap for underserved groups, ensuring health equity across Lagos,” she emphasized.
Through these initiatives, LASHMA continues to innovate, reinforcing the state’s mission to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all Lagosians.
As Lagos State commemorates Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2024, the Ilera-Eko scheme continues to shine as a beacon of the government’s resolve to deliver accessible, affordable, and inclusive healthcare to all residents.
Speaking at the UHC Media Parley, Mrs. Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro, Head of Planning, Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), reflected on the significant progress achieved under the scheme. However, she stressed that the journey to UHC demands unwavering dedication. “Health for all is not just a slogan; it is a commitment. Together, we can make it a reality,” she affirmed.
Tayo-Adetoro highlighted the transformative impact of Ilera-Eko’s initiatives, including simplified enrollment through LASRRA’s extensive outlets, expanded access to medications via 300 community pharmacies, and the EKOSHA program for vulnerable populations. These efforts underscore Lagos’ vision of health equity, ensuring no one is left behind.
The parley concluded with a rallying call for all Lagosians to enroll in Ilera-Eko and contribute to building a healthier state. With these initiatives, Lagos State cements its leadership in advancing UHC, turning aspirations into tangible outcomes for its citizens.
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