Lagos Makes Health Insurance Scheme Mandatory For Residents

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday launched the mandatory regulation of the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS), making it mandatory for residents, whether corporate or individuals, to own the health insurance scheme.

Launching the scheme in Ikeja, the governor said anyone who could not show evidence of having any health plan would not be able to enjoy or transact any business with the state government.

He said the need to ensure the attainment of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) made it mandatory for the government to begin the full implementation of the Lagos State Health Scheme, passed by the House of Assembly in May 2015.

Under the law, Sanwo-Olu said it is mandatory for residents to have the health scheme, which makes health care financing affordable and available to all, irrespective of class or status.

The governor, represented by a health economist and Technical Assistant to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olumide Okulaja, said the government had enlisted civil servants in the scheme and urged the private sector to key into it.

He said the need to push for the attainment of the Universal Health Coverage necessitated the implementation of the provisions of the LSHS Law.

Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) initiative falls within his administration’s THEMES agenda, which is based on the belief that the best can only be got from the people when they are healthy.

He added that their health care needs would be met at all times.

The nation