Gov Sanwo-Olu Enacted Significant Executive Order Aimed at Improving Healthcare Services

In a landmark decision demonstrating its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and accessible healthcare services, the Lagos State Government has proudly announced the execution of a comprehensive Health Insurance Executive Order by the esteemed Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

This groundbreaking directive, meticulously crafted and enacted on July 16, 2024, is poised to revolutionize the healthcare landscape through a pioneering partnership between the esteemed Ministry of Health, the esteemed Lagos State Health Management Agency, and the esteemed private sector. Notably, this transformative initiative centers on leveraging health insurance as a pivotal instrument for ensuring robust social protection.

In a recent press conference, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, outlined the fundamental aspects and objectives of the groundbreaking policy. He underscored that this initiative is poised to substantially enhance the health outcomes for Lagos State residents by implementing a well-structured, regulated, equitable, and sustainable health insurance program that encompasses all Lagosians.

The initiative aligns with the objective of the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022, which mandates states to leverage social health insurance to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Social health insurance, practiced universally in various forms, offers numerous socioeconomic benefits. It pools contributory funds and distributes risk across a large group, minimizing individual financial exposure and enhancing protection. These schemes provide social safety nets with equitable components aimed at achieving UHC. Social Health Insurance schemes are typically mandatory to ensure broad coverage, maximizing collective benefits to society. Modest contributory premiums support the government in providing a standard level of care to all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status.

The Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme, known as Ilera Eko, is managed by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA). In contrast, private health insurance is usually voluntary, driven by the private sector, competitive, and profit-oriented, providing a diverse range of services based on affordability. By establishing synergies between social and private health insurance pathways, Lagos is fostering a platform for widespread adoption and sustainable healthcare coverage.

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) guarantees equitable access to essential healthcare services for everyone in a region without causing financial hardship. Key features of UHC include a comprehensive array of services addressing the community’s common needs, such as preventive care, diagnostics, treatments, and medications. Services not covered by the basic health package of Social Health Insurance (Ilera Eko) can be supplemented by approved private health insurance packages or state-supported medical assistance programs, he stated.

The Commissioner elucidated that the Executive Order enacted by the esteemed Governor delineates several pivotal components meticulously crafted to revolutionize healthcare delivery within the confines of Lagos State. These components are meticulously designed to guarantee all residents access to comprehensive, equitable, and sustainable health coverage. The Order encompasses the following key elements: Promotion of Health Insurance, Enforcement of Grace Period, Public-Private Synergy, Technical Working Group, Funding for the Vulnerable, Regulation and Oversight, as well as Quality Assurance and Monitoring.

Abayomi stated that no resident of Lagos should be forced to choose between healthcare and other essential requirements. This program is intended to eliminate such obstacles and guarantee that everyone has access to the treatment they require when they require it.

He urged healthcare providers, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the general public to participate in this transformative initiative. “We are in the process of establishing a healthcare system that caters to all, and the involvement of all stakeholders is essential to realize this vision,” Abayomi stated.

Expressing gratitude to the Governor for his forward-thinking leadership and steadfast dedication to the health and welfare of the residents of Lagos State, he remarked,  “We are immensely appreciative of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s courageous vision and unwavering support for healthcare reform in Lagos State. His initiative in issuing this Executive Order highlights his commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to quality healthcare. This groundbreaking measure will undoubtedly revolutionize healthcare delivery in Lagos State and serve as a model for others to emulate.”