Lagos Moves To Ensure Universal Health Coverage, Launches Ilera Eko Campaign In Badagry

… Says 60-Day Campaign Will Boost Health Insurance Enrollment

… As Oba Atanda Applauds Lagos For Expanding Healthcare

Lagos – To ensure Universal Healthcare Coverage through accessible and affordable services to all residents, the Lagos State Government officially launched the Ilera Eko Door-to-Door Sensitisation Campaign and Roadshow in Ojo Local Government Area (LGA) on Monday.

The initiative aims to promote the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme, Ilera Eko, and encourage enrollment among residents in the Badagry Division. The event was attended by key dignitaries and stakeholders, all of whom expressed their support for the initiative.

At the flag-off event, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), highlighted the importance of Ilera Eko. Zamba emphasised that it was designed to ease the healthcare burden for Lagosians by providing comprehensive health coverage at an affordable cost. “Our goal is to bring healthcare registration closer to the people, ensuring that healthcare is both accessible and affordable,” Dr. Zamba said.

She explained that the Ilera Eko Roadshow and Door-to-Door Sensitization Campaign will run for 60 days in the Badagry Division, covering households and communities, adding that the Roadshows will take place in Ojo LGA, Oriade LCDA, and Agbara.

Dr. Zamba also shared exciting news for those who register by Valentine’s Day, noting that they stand a chance to win a special gift. “I urge everyone to register themselves and their families. Health is wealth, and access to quality healthcare should be a priority for all,” she said.

Additionally, she emphasised the role of local governments in supporting this initiative, stating that LASHMA has already set up offices in key local government areas like Ojo, ensuring that there is a point of contact for residents to learn more about the scheme and register easily

Zamba further explained that the scheme, established in 2015 by the Lagos State Government and reinforced by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022, mandates health insurance for all residents. “The initiative, which has been further strengthened by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order in 2024, aims to provide access to high-quality healthcare without the strain of out-of-pocket expenses,” she added.

She urged residents to take advantage of the benefits of Ilera Eko, which covers 80% of hospital needs including consultations, treatment for common diseases, maternal care, chronic disease management, and surgeries, among others. Dr. Zamba also shed light on the affordability of the scheme, stating that the enrollment costs are N15,000 per individual, N55,000 for a family of four, and N80,000 for a family of six.

She noted LASHMA has introduced the ILERA N’TIWA Cooperative, which allows for installment payments to ensure easy payment. “This initiative is designed to reduce the financial burden of accessing healthcare and to make it easier for families to prioritize their health,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Dapo Asiyanbi, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District V, who was represented by the Medical Officer of Health of Badagry Local Government, Dr. Wale Akeredolu commended the initiative. He highlighted the importance of making healthcare accessible to the people of Badagry Division of Lagos State, noting that the area’s resource constraints often result in limited access to quality healthcare.

“The Ilera Eko scheme provides a solution to these challenges by bringing healthcare closer to the people and ensuring that health resources are equitably distributed,” Dr. Asiyanbi said. He further noted that by making healthcare insurance compulsory, the government was working toward achieving universal health coverage for all Lagosians.

Hon. Rasulu Idowu, Chairman of Ojo Local Government, who was represented by Vice Chairman Mrs. Edna Uche-Ubochi, expressed gratitude to the Governor and LASHMA for their tireless efforts. He emphasised that the health insurance scheme is crucial, particularly for vulnerable groups, as it helps to guarantee access to necessary healthcare services without financial strain. “We are committed to working closely with the LASHMA team to raise awareness about the scheme and ensure our residents benefit from it,” Hon Idowu said.

Highlighting the significance of Ilera Eko to grassroots communities, Chairman of the Lagos State Supervisor for Health Forum, Hon. Oluwaseun Ogundero, reinforced the importance of the scheme in empowering the people of Lagos. He stressed that the health insurance scheme offers comprehensive healthcare coverage, relieving the financial burden of out-of-pocket expenses.

He also pointed out that the scheme is particularly relevant at a time when healthcare costs are rising, and many drug companies are reducing their operations. “With Ilera Eko, residents no longer need to worry about exorbitant medical bills or bureaucratic delays in accessing care. It offers a lifeline for families, ensuring they have access to timely and adequate healthcare services,” Hon. Ogundero noted.

In his remarks, the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom of Lagos State, HRM Oba Maroof Oyekunle Atanda, lauded the initiative and applauded Governor Sanwo-Olu’s expansion of the Ilera Eko scheme. “This is one of the best things that has happened to Lagos residents,” said Oba Atanda.

He explained that the scheme is particularly important for the people in the riverine and remote communities, who often face additional challenges in accessing healthcare. “By expanding this program, the Governor has ensured that even those in the most remote areas of Lagos can now benefit from quality healthcare without the burden of financial constraints,” he added.

Oba Atanda also acknowledged the positive impact the scheme has had in improving healthcare access across the state. He noted that Lagos State’s medical infrastructure has undergone significant transformation, with new hospitals and facilities being built to cater to the healthcare needs of the growing population.

As the campaign continues, residents of Badagry and other communities within the division are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to enroll in the Ilera Eko scheme. With continued support from the Lagos State Government, the Ilera Eko initiative is expected to drive positive change, ensuring that all Lagosians, regardless of their economic background, have access to affordable and quality healthcare.