The Lagos State Government has again encouraged residents, especially those at the grassroots, who are yet to embrace the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme introduced by the present administration to key into the scheme for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) that is affordable and convenient.
Speaking at the continuation of grassroots sensitisation programme on Ilera Eko at Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, the Special Adviser, Office of Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, said that the intention of government is to deliver the health scheme to the citizens and encourage the people to own the programme with a view to making it a success.
Adebowale maintained that the scheme will make enrollees pay health care bills and also get prompt healthcare they require as practised in most developed countries in the world.
She explained that the Office of Civic Engagement, as part of its mandate to interface between the Government and the citizens of Lagos State, decided to collaborate with LASHMA through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the scheme in organising the sensitisation exercise.
The Special Adviser said: “This sensitisation programme is in collaboration with Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) and the Office of Civic Engagement on Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (Ilera Eko) in the 20 Local Government Areas of the State. It is aimed at promoting Ilera Eko Health plan and also scale up the grassroots enrolment of Lagos residents on the Scheme”.
She reiterated that the second pillar in the developmental plan of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, as encapsulated in the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda is Health and Environment, asserting that health remains on the priority list of every government at all levels, as such Lagos cannot afford to be an exception.
Princess Adebowale emphasised that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu led administration is focused on ensuring that all the residents of Lagos State have access to quality, equitable and affordable healthcare regardless of their socio-cultural and economic status, towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the State.
Her words: “This has necessitated the government to embark on the building and renewal of health facilities all around the State as well as the continuous initiation and promotion of various intervention programmes which include the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme also known as ILERA EKO”.
“There is no doubt that Health insurance is new in Nigeria but the journey of health insurance in Lagos State started over six years ago with the signing of the Lagos State Health Law in 2015, while access to care commenced in 2020”, the Special Adviser said.