The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) has intensified collaboration with the Lagos State Health Insurance Management Agency (LASHMA) to expand Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Lagos State.
Eko Hot News reports that LASHMA’s enforcement team paid a follow-up visit to LSTMB to assess compliance levels among staff and stakeholders under the Ilèra EKO Health Insurance Programme.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to ensure wider enrollment in the state health insurance scheme.
Acting Registrar of LSTMB, Mr. Hakeem Bello, reiterated the Board’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with LASHMA.
He disclosed that all staff members who had not previously enrolled in the scheme have now been registered and are awaiting confirmation from LASHMA.
Bello emphasised the importance of health insurance for practitioners and residents, noting its long-term benefits.
He added that the Board plans to invite LASHMA to participate in advocacy and sensitisation programmes targeting traditional medicine practitioners.
According to him, this step will further promote awareness and encourage wider participation in the Ilèra EKO initiative.
Team Lead of LASHMA, Mr. Lucas Raheem, stated that the engagement was aimed at ensuring full compliance within the traditional medicine sector.
Raheem said the agency’s objective remains to guarantee access to quality healthcare for all Lagos residents, irrespective of socio-economic background.
He expressed satisfaction with LSTMB’s proactive response and willingness to align with the state’s health insurance mandate.
As part of the next phase, Raheem requested that LSTMB make the LASHMA policy number compulsory for practitioners during registration and license renewal.
He noted that enforcing this requirement would significantly accelerate progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage in Lagos.
The collaboration underscores the Lagos State Government’s determination to integrate all healthcare stakeholders into the state insurance framework.
Officials believe the strengthened partnership will improve healthcare accessibility and deepen compliance across the traditional medicine sector.
