923,000 RESIDENTS OF LAGOS HAS BEEN ENROLLED INTO THE ILERA-EKO HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

The Lagos State Government is pleased to announce that since the program’s founding, about 923,000 people have enrolled in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, also known as Ilera-Eko.

This milestone was announced by Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), after a walk for awareness and sensitization on the occasion of the Y2023 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day in Alausa-Ikeja. She also emphasised the growth of the Ilera Eko programme, which now covers 448 hospitals statewide as opposed to just 57.

As of right now, LASHMA has covered 923,000 Lagos residents through Ilera-Eko, with the goal of reaching every member of our target demographic. “We now have 448 healthcare facilities in our network, up from 57 in the previous year, providing complete coverage in all Local Government Areas, or LCDAs,” Dr. Zamba said.

The Permanent Secretary went on to say that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared Universal Health Coverage Day to highlight the need for a strong healthcare system that would ensure that everyone has access to high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare services. “The theme: ‘Health for all: Time For Action’, aligns with the current administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare delivery in the State” , she stated.

Zamba stated, “The World Health Organisation observes December 12 as Universal Health Coverage Day each year to highlight the significance of guaranteeing fair access to inexpensive, high-quality healthcare for everyone to live fulfilling lives.”

She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the THEMES Plus Agenda’s Health and Environment mandate. In order to further the goal of universal health coverage, efforts will continue to be made to expand Ilera Eko’s coverage to all citizens, particularly those working in the unorganised sector.

Dr. Zamba encouraged all citizens to sign up for the state health insurance programme, stressing the importance of health insurance in promoting health awareness and creating an affordable healthcare system. The Ilera Eko Health Insurance package, which costs 8,500 Naira for an individual and 40,000 Naira for a family with four children under the age of 23, was highlighted by the speaker.