The Lagos State Government has announced that 1,152,455 residents, out of an estimated 24 million, have enrolled in the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme.
This achievement was revealed by Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), during a media briefing commemorating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2024.
The Ilera Eko scheme, inaugurated in February 2021 by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aims to provide universal health coverage to Lagos residents.
The scheme has witnessed a significant increase in enrollees, with 229,455 new registrations within the past year, bringing the total from 923,000 in December 2023.
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Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order, signed earlier this year, has strengthened the Lagos State Health Scheme Law of 2015, making enrollment in ILERA EKO mandatory for all residents. This move ensures that more people can access quality healthcare services.
Dr. Zamba emphasized the importance of government leadership in making healthcare accessible, affordable, and equitable for all. She noted that Lagos State has made significant strides toward Universal Health Coverage, driven by the ILERA EKO scheme, which prioritizes health equity.
To enhance the scheme, LASHMA has partnered with a healthcare provider network, providing channels for enquiries and complaints. The agency is also addressing the needs of vulnerable populations through the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) and ensuring that all residents fulfill their obligation to enroll in ILERA EKO.
The Head of Monitoring and Evaluation at LASHMA, Tayo Adetoro, added that the agency is collaborating with other agencies to expand the scheme’s scope. With the collective efforts of the government, healthcare providers, and residents, Lagos State is moving closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage.