Lagos enrolls over 1.1 million residents in health insurance scheme

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government has announced that over 1,152,455 residents have enrolled in its health insurance scheme, ILERA EKO, as part of ongoing efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

This milestone was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, during a media briefing on Thursday to mark Universal Health Coverage Day.

The event, themed “Health: It’s on the (house) Government,” highlighted the critical role of government leadership in making healthcare accessible, affordable, and equitable.

Dr. Zamba emphasized the state’s commitment to health equity through ILERA EKO, a scheme driven by the Lagos State Health Scheme Law enacted in 2015. According to her, the initiative protects residents from catastrophic health expenses while ensuring access to quality care.

“Universal Health Coverage is not just a global ideal; it is a fundamental human right. Our journey with ILERA EKO has enabled us to provide a robust healthcare system that supports over one million enrollees,” she stated.

Zamba detailed various strategies LASHMA has employed to grow enrollment and improve public awareness. These include innovative initiatives to simplify the enrollment process and expanded benefits packages to cater to a broader audience.

“To bring enrollment closer to grassroots communities, we are setting up 300 virtual booths across the state. This will drive awareness and increase access for residents,” added Tayo Ayetoro, Head of Monitoring and Evaluation at LASHMA.

The agency has also partnered with healthcare providers to ensure quality care for enrollees. Zamba noted that the healthcare provider network is a cornerstone of the ILERA EKO scheme, designed to reflect the government’s dedication to health equity.

Dr. Zamba highlighted the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA), which bridges gaps in healthcare access for vulnerable populations. She also underscored the significance of the Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which mandates enrollment in the scheme by domesticating the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act.

“This move strengthens the Lagos State Health Scheme Law of 2015, ensuring that more residents can access quality healthcare services. It’s a testament to the government’s unwavering political will to achieve UHC,” she said.

LASHMA has recorded an annual enrollment growth of 6%, a reflection of the state’s sustained efforts to enhance health outcomes.

The state government reaffirmed its belief that investing in health leads to stronger communities, a more productive workforce, and greater economic resilience. “Universal Health Coverage is key to achieving these outcomes,” Zamba concluded.

The announcement comes as Lagos State continues to position itself as a leader in healthcare innovation, setting an example for other states in Nigeria.