40,000 residents to enjoy free health insurance – Lagos State govt

THE Lagos State Government is currently providing free health insurance to 40,000 residents in recognition of the economic status of many Lagosians especially the less privileged.

A crowdfunding programme and installment payment plan has also been launched by the state, all geared towards providing access for residents and ramping up facilities in the State for effective and efficient healthcare.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, made the disclosure while speaking at the launch of Ilera Eko Day, a symbolic social campaign designed to integrate Lagos residents into the health insurance policy of the State government, on Tuesday, at LTV Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

Abayomi said that the launch of Ilera Eko marked a distinct milestone in the State government’s efforts to ensure sustained access to quality and affordable healthcare to the teeming population.

Speaking on the development, Chairman of Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Adetokunbo Alakija, said Ilera Eko would be celebrated annually to mark the journey to 100% coverage of the informal sector by the State Health Scheme.

The Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was also present at the event, encouraged residents to sign up for the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS), saying it is in the collective interest of the State and the wellbeing of the people for all to join the scheme.

She said the scheme aptly signifies the commitment of the present administration towards promoting the human right to health and a resilient healthcare network.

“Essentially, the Scheme, which is administered by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), is aimed at ensuring Lagosians have access to the needed healthcare without suffering financial hardship; close the gap between the demand for health spending and available public resources, as well as reduce the prolonged reliance on out-of-pocket spending by families across the State”.

“The evolution of this scheme identifies with the global clarion call to inclusive health make-up which is termed Universal Health Coverage. This was conceptualized to close glaring coverage gaps and meet the health targets agreed under the Sustainable Development Goals.’’

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu also noted that the harsh lessons of COVID-19 had sparked new urgency around health systems and universal health coverage, saying the focus is now shifting towards preventive healthcare as against curative health.

“As we embark on this path to Universal Health Coverage, Ilera Eko is passionately calling us to take responsibility for our health. We are determined to leave no one behind. All residents, regardless of socio-economic and ethnoreligious identity, including the vulnerable, are encouraged to make the right choices by signing up for this scheme because our lives, livelihoods and future depend on it.” She said.