This initiative is all about promoting the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme, Ilera Eko, and getting more residents in the Badagry Division to sign up. The launch saw a bunch of important figures and stakeholders come together to show their support.
During the launch event, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), underscored the significance of the Ilera Eko program. She emphasized its design to alleviate the healthcare burden on Lagosians by providing comprehensive and affordable health coverage.
Dr. Zamba, stated that their objective is to simplify healthcare enrollment for residents, thereby ensuring both accessibility and affordability.
She also pointed out that the Ilera Eko Roadshow and Door-to-Door Sensitization Campaign will last for 60 days in the Badagry Division, reaching out to households and communities. The Roadshows will be happening in Ojo LGA, Oriade LCDA, and Agbara.
Dr. Zamba added some exciting news for those who register by Valentine’s Day, as they could win a special gift.
“I urge everyone to register themselves and their families. Health is wealth, and access to quality healthcare should be a priority for all,” she said.
Moreover, she highlighted the importance of local governments in backing this initiative, mentioning that LASHMA has already set up offices in key areas like Ojo, making it easier for residents to get information and register for the scheme.
Zamba clarified that the program, implemented in 2015 by the Lagos State Government and subsequently strengthened by the 2022 National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, mandates health insurance coverage for all residents. She further noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's 2024 Executive Order enhances this initiative, ensuring access to superior healthcare services without the burden of direct patient costs.
She encouraged residents to utilize the benefits of Ilera Eko, which covers 80% of hospital services, including consultations, treatment for common illnesses, maternal care, chronic disease management, and surgeries, among others. Dr. Zamba also highlighted the scheme's affordability, noting that enrollment fees are N15,000 for individuals, N55,000 for a family of four, and N80,000 for a family of six.
She mentioned that LASHMA has launched the ILERA N’TIWA Cooperative, which facilitates installment payments to ease the financial burden. “This initiative is designed to reduce the financial burden of accessing healthcare and to make it easier for families to prioritize their health,” she remarked.
Additionally, at the event, Dr. Dapo Asiyanbi, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos Health District V, represented by Dr. Wale Akeredolu, the Medical Officer of Health for Badagry Local Government, praised the initiative. He emphasized the necessity of making healthcare accessible to the residents of Badagry Division, pointing out that resource limitations often hinder access to quality healthcare in the area.
“The Ilera Eko scheme provides a solution to these challenges by bringing healthcare closer to the people and ensuring that health resources are equitably distributed,” Dr. Asiyanbi stated. He further noted that by mandating health insurance, the government is advancing towards achieving universal health coverage for all residents of Lagos.
The Chairman of Ojo Local Government, Hon. Rasulu Idowu, represented by Vice Chairman Mrs. Edna Uche-Ubochi, expressed appreciation to the Governor and LASHMA for their dedicated efforts. He highlighted the importance of the health insurance scheme, particularly for vulnerable populations, as it ensures access to essential healthcare services without financial hardship. “We are committed to working closely with the LASHMA team to raise awareness about the scheme and ensure our residents benefit from it,” stated Hon. Idowu.
Emphasizing the relevance of Ilera Eko to local communities, Hon. Oluwaseun Ogundero, Chairman of the Lagos State Supervisor for Health Forum, reiterated the scheme's role in empowering Lagos residents. He noted that the health insurance program provides extensive healthcare coverage, alleviating the financial strain associated with out-of-pocket expenses.
He further remarked on the scheme's significance in light of rising healthcare costs and the reduction of operations by many pharmaceutical companies.
“With Ilera Eko, residents no longer need to worry about exorbitant medical bills or bureaucratic delays in accessing care. It offers a lifeline for families, ensuring they have access to timely and adequate healthcare services,” Hon. Ogundero emphasized.
In his address, HRM Oba Maroof Oyekunle Atanda, the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom of Lagos State, praised the initiative and commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for expanding the Ilera Eko scheme. “This is one of the best things that has happened to Lagos residents,” remarked Oba Atanda.
He elaborated on the scheme's critical importance for individuals in riverine and remote areas, who often encounter additional barriers to accessing healthcare. “By expanding this program, the Governor has ensured that even those in the most remote areas of Lagos can now benefit from quality healthcare without the burden of financial constraints,” he concluded.
Oba Atanda recognized the beneficial effects of the scheme in enhancing healthcare accessibility throughout the state. He emphasized that the medical infrastructure in Lagos State has experienced considerable improvements, with the construction of new hospitals and facilities designed to meet the healthcare demands of the expanding population.
As the campaign progresses, residents of Badagry and surrounding communities are urged to seize the opportunity to enroll in the Ilera Eko scheme. With ongoing support from the Lagos State Government, the Ilera Eko initiative is poised to foster positive developments, ensuring that all residents of Lagos, irrespective of their financial circumstances, can access affordable and high-quality healthcare.