Lagos State Government has charged residents of the state to take full advantage of the ILERA EKO Health Insurance Scheme, stressing that the scheme was put in place to make it easier for them to access quality healthcare services.
Recall that the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had earlier this year signed an Executive Order which was to domesticate the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act.
The order was also to strengthen the Lagos State Health Scheme Law of 2015, which makes the enrolment for ILERA EKO mandatory for all residents by ensuring that more people can access quality healthcare services.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, made the call on Thursday at a press briefing, which took place at Ikeja, to commemorate the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2024 with the theme, “Health: It’s on the (house) Government.”
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The permanent secretary disclosed that a total of 1,152, 455 had so far enrolled for the scheme, recalling that as at December 2023, the number of enrollees on the Ilera Eko stood at 923,000, indicating an increase of 229, 455 enrollees within a year.
Zamba, therefore, urged those enlightened about the health insurance to educate others on the need to take advantage of it, disclosing that the state ministry of health was about setting up a radio station, to educate residents about the importance of the health scheme.
This was just as she enjoined members of the public to feel free to supply information about any challenge they might encounter about the health scheme, pointing out that the ministry had 30 staff dedicated to customer care and working on the information people provided them with.
“This year’s theme underscores the vital role of government leadership in ensuring that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and equitable for all. It also provides the opportunity for us to showcase the government’s immense contributions to healthcare using the ILERA EKO Way.
“Universal Health Coverage is not just a global ideal; it is a fundamental human right that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.
“Lagos State has made tremendous strides toward Universal Health Coverage, and our journey has been driven by the ILERA EKO scheme, which embodies the government’s commitment to health equity.
“Since the enactment of the Lagos State Health Scheme Law in 2015, LASHMA has worked tirelessly to ensure that residents are protected from catastrophic health expenditures and can access quality care when they need it,” Zamba stated.
“Investing in health is not just about improving lives—it is about strengthening the backbone of our societies and economies. A healthy population means a more productive workforce, stronger communities, and greater national resilience.
“Universal Health Coverage is the key to achieving these outcomes, and it requires unwavering political will, strategic funding, and inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable,” she added.
Speaking further, the permanent secretary further disclosed that the agency had partnered with healthcare provider network in order to boost ILERA EKO Scheme, saying that the network was the backbone of the scheme which provides channels to make enquiries and complaints.
“Additionally, we will look into how we are addressing the needs of vulnerable populations through the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA). You will see how we are bridging the gap through our innovative approach, ensuring that no Lagosian is left behind in our journey to UHC.
“We will also highlight measures we are taking to ensure that all residents fulfil their obligation to enrol in ILERA EKO, which is critical to achieving our shared goal of Universal Health Coverage,” she stated.
Head Monitoring & Evaluation, Adetoro Tayo Adetoro, equally affirmed that a total of 1,152, 455 Lagosians had enrolled since inception of ILERA EKO Scheme.
She added, that the agency had been partnering with other agencies to ensure that the scope of expansion was enhanced.