The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to deepen health insurance coverage through its mandatory enrolment drive into the Ilera Eko Social Health Insurance Scheme.
Eko Hot News reports that the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) held a strategic engagement with civil society organisations under the Lagos Civil Society Partnership (LACSOP) in Ikeja.
The meeting focused on strengthening awareness and support for the implementation of the Executive Order mandating health insurance enrolment across the state.
Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the initiative as a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage in Lagos.
She said the policy is designed to protect residents from catastrophic healthcare spending and improve access to affordable medical services.
Zamba noted that Lagos remains the first state to begin full implementation of the national health insurance framework.
According to her, the engagement with civil society groups is aimed at boosting awareness and encouraging wider participation in the Ilera Eko scheme.
She explained that enforcement of the mandatory enrolment policy has already commenced across the state.
Zamba outlined a three-phase implementation strategy targeting public institutions, the informal sector and private sector employers.
The first phase focuses on Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including enrolment of public servants and contract staff.
The second phase targets informal workers through local government sensitisation and grassroots mobilisation.
The third phase is directed at private sector organisations to ensure broader employee participation.
She emphasized that civil society groups are key partners in advocacy and community mobilisation efforts.
Zamba also stressed the importance of including vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and survivors of abuse in the scheme.
Chairman of the Lagos Civil Society Partnership, Barrister Ayo Adebusoye, praised improvements in Lagos’ health system and institutional reforms.
He urged residents to make use of official complaint and feedback channels to improve accountability in healthcare delivery.
Adebusoye also called for stronger digital feedback systems and better public awareness of health insurance benefits.
Head of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at LASHMA, Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro, revealed that Lagos residents spent about ₦163 billion on healthcare in 2021.
She said the figure highlights the urgent need for financial protection through structured health insurance systems.
Head of Medical Operations, Dr. Olugbenga Fadipe, explained that the Ilera Eko system uses a technology-driven approval process for healthcare access.
He said the system helps regulate treatment approval, claims processing and service quality assurance.
Fadipe added that approvals are processed within an average of 45 minutes to ensure efficiency.
Head of Client Services, Mr. Lanre Green, emphasized the importance of feedback mechanisms in improving service delivery.
He noted that residents have the right to submit complaints, suggestions and commendations to strengthen accountability.
Stakeholders at the engagement described the initiative as a key step toward reducing out-of-pocket healthcare spending in Lagos.
They agreed that wider public enlightenment and enforcement will be crucial to achieving universal health coverage goals.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
