The Lagos State Health Management Agency has commenced a statewide facilities readiness assessment to support the implementation of the Executive Order on Mandatory Social Health Insurance across Lagos.
Eko Hot News reports that the assessment covers all hospitals under the ILERA EKO scheme, including General Hospitals, Primary Health Centres, and selected private hospitals with high patient turnout.
The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Emmanuella Zamba, stated that the exercise is a baseline evaluation aimed at strengthening compliance and operational standards ahead of full enforcement.
She explained that the initiative will assess hospital readiness to enroll patients who are not yet registered under the scheme. It will also help identify vulnerable residents who require access to affordable healthcare services.
According to Dr. Zamba, the compliance check will be extended to more private facilities across the state. She noted that the goal is to ensure seamless enrollment and improved access to quality healthcare.
She added that hospitals are expected to meet specific requirements. These include appointing focal persons for implementation, designating trained staff, and establishing clear patient support systems.
Other requirements include the use of screening tools for vulnerable groups, proper signage, complaint escalation processes, and dedicated ILERA EKO service desks.
Dr. Zamba emphasised that the initiative aligns with Lagos State’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage. She noted that the plan is to ensure residents can access healthcare without financial strain.
She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving service quality, accessibility, and efficiency. Continuous monitoring, she said, remains key to sustaining progress under the scheme.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted ongoing engagement with the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners to onboard more private hospitals into the programme.
She encouraged residents yet to enroll in ILERA EKO to take advantage of the scheme. According to her, the programme covers a significant portion of common healthcare needs.
Medical Directors of public hospitals commended the initiative. Kayode Grillo and Adenike Omosun praised the Lagos State Government for advancing access to healthcare.
They described the Executive Order signed by Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a major step toward improving healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
The hospital leaders expressed readiness to comply fully with the policy. They also pledged continued collaboration with LASHMA to ensure effective implementation.
Similarly, Yomi Ogun commended the agency for its commitment to equitable healthcare services.
He assured that his institution would support the initiative and maintain high standards in service delivery for enrollees.
The readiness assessment marks another step toward strengthening healthcare systems in Lagos. Stakeholders expressed optimism about improved access and better health outcomes for residents.
