The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has intensified efforts to deepen awareness and improve enrolment in the Lagos State Health Scheme through targeted capacity building for local government officials.
Eko Hot News reports that the Agency organised a one-day training for Supervisors for Health and Public Affairs Officers from Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) at its headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja.
The training was designed to equip participants with accurate information on the Lagos State Health Scheme to enhance grassroots engagement and increase enrolment across communities.
Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the initiative aims to ensure that officials have the right knowledge to support effective registration and mobilisation of residents.
She disclosed that 50 free health insurance slots have been allocated for vulnerable residents in each LGA and LCDA under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Dr. Zamba stressed that vulnerable groups remain a priority in the state’s drive toward equitable and accessible healthcare delivery.
She commended Supervisors for Health for their role in strengthening public awareness, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots level.
According to her, the Lagos State Government remains committed to ensuring that all residents, regardless of socio-economic status, have access to quality healthcare services.
She recalled that this commitment led to the signing of an Executive Order by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in July 2024, making health insurance mandatory in the state.
Dr. Zamba explained that while enforcement has begun with government ministries, emphasis remains on education and public trust-building.
She noted that despite ongoing reforms and innovations, many residents are still not enrolled in health insurance schemes.
She described the situation as a gap that requires continuous advocacy, awareness, and accurate information dissemination.
The Permanent Secretary said the training was timely and strategic in expanding the reach of ILERA EKO and strengthening grassroots participation.
She added that LASHMA has already launched stakeholder engagement visits across several LGAs to promote the scheme.
According to her, 11 LGAs and LCDAs have been visited so far, including Kosofe, Ikorodu North, Alimosho, Ikeja, Epe, Lagos Mainland, and Apapa-Iganmu among others.
Dr. Zamba commended local government officials and health officers for their cooperation during previous engagements.
She assured that remaining LGAs and LCDAs would soon be visited as part of the ongoing statewide sensitisation programme.
She urged officials to work closely with the agency to ensure successful implementation of health insurance outreach initiatives.
Dr. Zamba also encouraged them to facilitate proper enrolment of adhoc staff and strengthen coordination with health facilities within their jurisdictions.
She further emphasized the need for networking between primary health centres to ensure seamless referrals and improved healthcare access for residents.
The session concluded with renewed commitments to expand health insurance coverage and improve service delivery across Lagos State.
