…..Scheme marks 4th anniversary.
Lagos State First Lady, Dr.Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Authority, LASHMA, Emmanuel Zamba has called on Lagosians to take full benefit of the Ilera Eko Health Scheme by enrolling.massively into it.
While speaking at the 4th anniversary of the scheme tagged ‘Ilera Eko Day’ with the theme ‘Ilera Eko, Health Coverage for All’ held in Lagos, Mrs Sanwo-Olu said when the scheme was launched few years back, only 100,000 people enrolled on it but the number has increased to over one million enrollees.
She however lamented that the number is insignificant compared with the over 20 million population of Lagos adding there is need for more Lagosians to come on board the scheme.
The First Lady said now is the time for a massive campaign to sensitise Lagosians on the benefit of the scheme.
“Everybody has a right to health which should be accessible and affordable. A few years back, only 100,000 people enrolled but now we have over one million enrollees. Every Lagosian should be involved, no one should be left behind. We will campaign the same way we campaign during elections so that many Lagosian can be involved. We will campaign in churches, mosques everywhere,” she said.
She commended the Permanent Secretary for her efforts at bringing Lagosians unto the scheme.
The Chairman, Lagos House of Assembly Committee on Health, Aina Lawal said the fourth anniversary was a celebration of ‘lives touch.’
“Ilera Eko has grown into a beacon of hope to Lagosians. I thank LASHMA for their commitment. The enrollees are the reason the vision has come to life. I encourage all Lagosians to be actively involved and be advocates of our strong health care system,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Zamba said the scheme offers various flexible plans such as N15,000 plan annually for an individual, N55,000 for a family of four and N80,000 for a family of six.
Zamba said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has subsidised the cost of each of the plans so every Lagosian could have access to health care. She urged Lagosians to take advantage of the scheme.
Highlights of the event was the decoration of the First Lady as the ‘Ilera Eko Icon and Ekosha Grand Day’ and the launch of ILERA Eko handbook.