In a concerted effort to improve healthcare access and strengthen stakeholder engagement, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) hosted the first-quarter 2025 Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Town Hall Meeting for Health Districts I & VI.
The event took place during the week at the Bariga LCDA Hall, bringing together enrollees, community leaders, healthcare providers, and government representatives to discuss the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme, Ilera-Eko, and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
The discussions focused on service accessibility, policy updates, and common challenges while reinforcing the state’s dedication to universal health coverage and ensuring that no resident is left behind.
Declaring the meeting open, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making healthcare affordable and accessible for all Lagos residents.
She commended the contributions of Local Government Chairmen, Supervisors for Health, Royal Fathers, and other key stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos State.
Zamba highlighted the impact of the Ilera Eko scheme and the BHCPF, revealing that Lagos State has invested over N1.69 billion into the BHCPF since its full commencement in 2022, benefiting 133,408 enrollees across accredited Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
She further disclosed that, through the Ilera Eko equity fund, the government has ensured total coverage for vulnerable populations, recording over 372,620 beneficiaries since EKOSHA’s launch in December 2022.
Lagos was the first state to allocate and increase the equity fund, with N2.2 billion invested since inception.
Beyond healthcare coverage, LASHMA has also taken steps to empower vulnerable residents economically.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), 209 vulnerable individuals have been trained in vocational skills and equipped to start their businesses,” Zamba announced.
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She also emphasised the significance of the Executive Order signed on July 16, 2024, mandating health insurance for all Lagos residents.
According to her, this policy ensures that no citizen is burdened by unexpected medical bills, thereby fostering a healthier and more financially stable populace.
“The feedback from our enrollees is invaluable in refining our services. We urge beneficiaries to report any issues encountered at healthcare facilities through our 24/7 helplines to ensure optimal service delivery,” she said.
Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mrs Rita Chukwu, represented by NHIA Deputy Director, Mrs Chinyere Nwaohiri, commended LASHMA for its continuous engagement with stakeholders.
She stressed that consistent dialogue is key to identifying and resolving challenges affecting health insurance service delivery.
“Without an alliance, health insurance programs cannot thrive. By fostering open communication, we build confidence among enrollees, providers, and agencies,” Mrs Chukwu stated, praising LASHMA’s innovative strategies in improving health insurance uptake in Lagos.
The Baale of Ifelodun, Bariga, High Chief Lopez Olakunle, also lauded the Lagos State Government’s commitment to healthcare.
“The dedication of LASHMA and our healthcare providers is commendable. I urge everyone to take their health seriously, maintain proper hygiene, and avoid self-medication,” he advised.
Similarly, the Otun Iyaloja of Oyediran Market, Shomolu, Chief (Mrs.) Akinwale Omolabakepraised the state’s efforts and urged residents to take full advantage of Ilera Eko.
“Health is wealth. Let’s visit hospitals for regular check-ups and utilize the free tests and medications under this scheme,” she encouraged.
The event featured testimonials from enrollees who have benefited from EKOSHA.
Mrs. Funke James shared her experience, revealing that she received free treatment for a severe cough and medications worth over N80,000 under the scheme.
“My daughter also had a Caesarean section without paying a dime. I am truly grateful to the government,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs Hassan Balikis expressed her appreciation for the initiative, recounting how she underwent three free medical tests after falling ill. “I didn’t realize the extent of the benefits until I needed them. This program is truly a lifesaver,” she said.
