Dr Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), has affirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring a more effective health insurance system.

Zamba gave the assurance this during the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Town Hall Meeting for Lagos Health Districts.

The event held at Bariga Local Council Development Area  Hall, on Thursday.
Stakeholders, including beneficiaries of the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme in the  districts, discussed healthcare service accessibility and policies, at the meeting.

“Lagos State Government has committed the sum of N1,694,812.82 and recorded 133,408 enrollees so far in Ilera Eko and BHCPF,” the official said.

She commended the people for support for LASHMA in delivering quality healthcare services.

“Your dedication to this cause underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving Universal Health Coverage in Lagos State.

“This initiative is being implemented in accredited primary healthcare centres across the state and has made significant impacts.

“On the part of Ilera Eko, equity fund is being provided by the state government to completely cover the vulnerable,” she said.

Zamba said that EKOSHA kicked off in December 2022 and has covered 372,620 residents.

She said that  N2.25 billion  had been expended on it since inception.

The permanent secretary said that the agency, in collaboration with Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, had trained  209 vulnerable individuals in vocational skills and equipped  them to start their own businesses.

“Continuous dialogue is essential in shaping the future of healthcare in Lagos State, and we deeply appreciate your commitment to this cause.

“Together, we are working towards a healthier Lagos where no one is left behind.

“This meeting has brought together beneficiaries, community leaders, healthcare providers and  permanent secretaries from each health district.

”We are focused on improving awareness, resolving complaints and enhancing service delivery to ensure a more effective health insurance system,” Zamba said.

She said that  feedback from enrollees would be crucial to improving  services.

“We encourage all enrollees to report any challenges they encounter at healthcare facilities through our 24/7 customer service helplines which include 0800-ILERA EKO.

Under the ILERA EKO scheme, preventive care, chronic disease management and specialised services are available to ensure that every enrollee receives the highest quality of care,” she said.

Mrs Funke James,  a businesswoman and participant, applauded Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for investing in the well-being of Lagos residents.

Mrs Balikis Hassan, also a participant, said that she would take advantage of the health scheme  to support her family.