The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency, LASHMA Dr Emmanuella Zamba, has said that the state government has made quality health care services available to Lagosians using the ILERA EKO health scheme.
Zamba spoke on Thursday at a briefing ahead of the commemoration of this year’s Universal Health Coverage, UHC, coming up on December 12. with the theme “Health: It’s on the Government.”
Zamba said this year’s theme underscores the vital role of government leadership in ensuring that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and equitable for all.
She noted that the state government has contributed immensely to healthcare using the ILERA EKO scheme, adding that 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.
“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 said.
On the achievements of LASHMA since it was founded, Zamba said over one million Lagosians have enrolled in the scheme adding the successes recorded has been due to public awareness to ensure that every Lagosian is aware of the benefit of joining the scheme.
Zamba further said that as of December 2023, the number of enrollees on the Ilera Eko stood at 923,000 but has now increased to one million which was an increase of 229, 455 enrollees within a year.
The Permanent Secretary said that through ILERA EKO healthcare provider network, the agency has partnered with healthcare providers across Lagos State to ensure that enrollees receive quality care that meets their needs.
She noted that the signing of the Executive Order by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, which domesticates the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act has strengthened the Lagos State Health Scheme Law of 2015, thereby making enrolment in ILERA EKO mandatory for all residents of Lagos.
On issues surrounding compromising standards by partners, Zamba said the agency sanctions partners who do not comply with the standards set by the agency. She also urged Lagosians to have social insurance as it is mandatory for all citizens.
The Head Monitoring & Evaluation of LASHMA, Tayo Adetoro said the partnership with private sector has helped to make healthcare available for Lagosians