The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing accessible, equitable, and affordable healthcare for all residents, with renewed focus on expanding coverage for vulnerable groups across the State.
Eko Hot News reports that the assurance was given at a town hall meeting organised by the EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA), an arm of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), for vulnerable residents in Ikorodu, held at Ikorodu West LCDA.
Speaking at the engagement, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, described the EKOSHA town halls as critical platforms for dialogue, feedback, and service improvement between the Agency, healthcare providers, enrollees, and community stakeholders.
She noted that the forums have helped LASHMA better assess scheme performance, identify emerging healthcare needs, and refine service delivery strategies for residents.
Dr Zamba highlighted that under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State has prioritised equity-driven healthcare policies, including the Executive Order signed on July 16, 2024, mandating social health insurance for all residents.
She explained that the policy positions Lagos as the first state to domesticate the National Health Insurance Authority Act of 2020 and shields families from catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenses.
On achievements so far, the Permanent Secretary said coverage for vulnerable populations has expanded through the State’s Equity Fund and the Federal Government’s Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), significantly improving access to primary healthcare services.
She disclosed that the Equity Fund was increased from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion and made a first-line charge, expanding access for indigent residents across the State.
Dr Zamba also announced the EKOSHA Rural Health Scheme, which deploys mobile clinics to underserved communities without functional health facilities, providing regular medical services and referral support.
In her remarks, the Supervising Permanent Secretary, Health District II, Dr Dayo Lajide, emphasised coordinated efforts with LASHMA to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and urged residents to embrace preventive care and avoid self-medication.
Community leaders, including the Baale of Ojoogbe, Chief Olukayode Olomo, and the Iyaloja-General of Igbogbo-Bayeku, Chief Asake Modinat Wahab, commended the initiative and encouraged residents to enrol and utilise the Scheme.
