The Lagos State Government has urged more residents of the state to enroll in the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme in order to have greater access to universal health coverage.
According to a statement on Thursday, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, made this call during the Ilera Eko mega promo for Ikeja Division, held in Ikotun.
Abayomi, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Health, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, noted that the mega promo is one of the creative ideas of the Lagos State Health Management Agency to stimulate residents’ interest in health insurance.
He said, “I commend Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support and commitment to ensuring that Lagos residents have more access to affordable and quality healthcare and initiatives like the mega promo award would draw attention to the universal health coverage policy.
“We urge the agency to deploy more innovative ways of attracting residents to enroll on Ilera Eko plans, and the newly signed National Health Insurance Authority Act by President Muhammad Buhari has given more power and recognition to the state’s health insurance scheme.”
In her address, the General Manager, LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, stated that the government has dedicated one per cent of its Consolidated Revenue Fund as equity for the payment of health insurance for the vulnerable and the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has already released N750 million for enrolment of the less privileged on the scheme.
