Sanwo-Olu backs state-led lifeline for insured, vulnerable residents

By Chioma Obinna

Lagos State on Thursday unveiled the LASHMA-AID Emergency Services Programme, an intervention aimed at ensuring that no resident is denied life-saving treatment because of cost, delay or administrative bottlenecks.

The programme, launched institutionalises emergency medical stabilisation for insured and vulnerable residents under the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, ILERA EKO, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order on Mandatory Social Health Insurance.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, described LASHMA-AID as “a historic milestone” that deepens Lagos State’s commitment to universal health coverage and responsive governance.

“This programme reflects the Governor’s resolve that access to healthcare must never be hindered by a resident’s ability to pay at the point of need,” Ogunyemi said, adding that health remains a core pillar of the administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda.

She outlined ongoing reforms, including the Smart Health Information Platform linking public health facilities, the expansion of 24-hour primary healthcare centres, the upgrade of over 27 PHCs under the World Bank-supported IMPACT Programme, and the growth of functional PHCs to more than 336 statewide.

Ogunyemi also noted that Lagos has reduced out-of-pocket healthcare spending by strengthening insurance coverage and dedicating one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund—now ₦3 billion annually—as an equity fund for the poor.

“LASHMA-AID is a lifeline that prioritises saving lives before paperwork,” she said.

Under the programme, residents can access emergency care through the universal emergency numbers 112 or 767, or the dedicated LASHMA toll-free line, 0800 000 LASHMA, with medical evacuation provided by LASAMBUS, the state’s ambulance service. Ogunyemi disclosed that LASAMBUS has handled over 5,000 emergency cases this year, with approval granted for additional recruitment of nurses and bike riders to boost rapid response.

In a goodwill message, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, described LASHMA-AID as “a landmark intervention” that safeguards the lives and productivity of Lagos residents, particularly public servants and pensioners.

Represented by Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Agoro said the initiative ensures “prompt, professional and financially protected access to emergency care, regardless of socio-economic status.”

Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Musibau Aina Lawal, said the programme translates legislative intent into “practical, life-saving action,” stressing that “stabilisation must always take precedence over enrolment verification or payment.”

Earlier, Chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, said LASHMA-AID was conceived from the Governor’s Executive Order and developed through extensive stakeholder engagement. He explained that the programme covers up to 48 hours of in-facility emergency stabilisation for enrollees and vulnerable residents.

“No emergency patient should be turned away,” Adedewe said. “Hospitals, ambulance operators and LASHMA’s coordination unit are now integrated into a single response chain for pre-hospital care, transfers and early stabilisation.”

He urged residents not to delay seeking care during emergencies, assuring that LASHMA would bear the cost while patients are stabilised and subsequently registered. According to him, data-driven monitoring will track response times and outcomes, with a target of two to three minutes for emergency activation.

Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the programme closes a critical gap that previously discouraged private facilities from emergency participation due to payment uncertainties.

“Both empanelled and non-empanelled facilities are now covered for emergency stabilisation,” she said. “Identification and insurance status come after lives are saved.”

Other speakers, including Hon. Ibrahim Obanikoro, Special Adviser on Parastatal Monitoring; Dr. Dayo Lajide, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District II; and officials of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, pledged strong institutional and public enlightenment support to ensure effective implementation.

Closing the event, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi, said LASHMA-AID demonstrates Lagos State’s determination to institutionalise people-centred emergency care.

“The true measure of this programme will be lives saved, faster response times and renewed public confidence,” she said, as Lagos positions itself as a national reference point for organised emergency healthcare.