The Lagos State Government, through the State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), on Wednesday unveiled a new initiative tagged Ilera Eko Cooperatives under the state health scheme, aimed at capturing indigent residents.
The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, made this known at a media briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, stating that the scheme, scheduled to be officially launched at a ceremony next week, is a health insurance programme by the state government for all residents, irrespective of status, class, ethnicity, or gender.
Zamba described the initiative as a major step by the state government to further drive health insurance uptake across Lagos and ensure that more residents are reached and educated on the benefits of enrolling in the scheme.
She reiterated that Ilera Eko is mandatory for every resident in Lagos State, adding that registration had been made easy for those yet to enrol.
“Registration has been made simple and accessible. You can register at our Head Office, the Good Shepherd House, opposite Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja. You can also register at our divisional and sub-divisional offices, kiosks across the state, or at any community pharmacy or provider under the Ilera Eko Scheme,” she said.
Dr. Zamba, however, noted that while the agency had recorded significant milestones, more work remained to be done to raise awareness and boost enrolment. She urged all stakeholders, including journalists, to continuously highlight the importance and benefits of Ilera Eko and help dispel myths and misinformation surrounding health insurance.
She emphasised that doing so would contribute to building a healthier Lagos and achieving universal health coverage.
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“I urge every stakeholder, including our journalists, to continuously highlight the importance and benefits of Ilera Eko and help dispel myths and misinformation surrounding health insurance. Together, we can build a healthier Lagos and achieve universal health coverage,” Zamba said.
LASHMA was established by the enabling Act No. 14 of 25 May 2015 and registered in Lagos State of Nigeria (Official Gazette No. 32, Vol. 48), dated 5 June 2015, to ensure that all residents of Lagos State, including public servants, have access to affordable and quality healthcare.
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