The Lagos State Government has urged residents of the state to enrol in its health insurance scheme named ‘Ilera Eko’, saying enrolment is now compulsory for every Nigerian.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, who spoke at the flag-off  of its Health Week at Alausa, Ikeja, said, “There is a need to raise the consciousness of Lagos residents to the fact that with the domestication of the National Health Insurance Authority Act, every Nigerian must register on the Social Health Insurance Scheme in his or her state of residence.”

A statement on Thursday quoted Zamba as saying that “It is, therefore, compulsory for every resident in Lagos State to enrol in Ilera Eko.”

She said enrollment in the insurance scheme would guarantee access to quality and affordable healthcare as well as reduce out-of-pocket payment for medical bills.

The Permanent Secretary advised residents to visit LASHMA headquarters or any of its divisional offices to register.

She added that LASHMA was collaborating with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service to ensure the availability of blood for Ilera Eko enrollees neeeding transfusion.