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In a bid to ensure that healthcare services are accessible and affordable to all residents, the Lagos State Government officially launched the Ilera Eko Door-to-Door Sensitization Campaign and Roadshow in Ojo Local Government Area (LGA) today.
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, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, highlighted the importance of Ilera Eko, emphasising that it was designed to ease the healthcare burden for Lagosians by providing comprehensive health coverage at an affordable cost.
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.
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. 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.
Shedding light on the affordability of the scheme, Dr. Zamba also stated 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 that LASHMA has introduced the ILERA N’TIWA Cooperative, which allows for instalment payments to ensure easy payment.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District V, Dr. Dapo Asiyanbi, 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.
He further noted that by making healthcare insurance compulsory, the government was working toward achieving universal health coverage for all Lagosians.
Chairman of Ojo Local Government, Hon. Rasulu Idowu, 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.
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