BY OJO SAMSON AYOMIDE
Lagos State Government has widened the scope of the Ilera Eko Social Health Insurance Plan by introducing additional health benefits for public servants on the standard plan benefits package.
The additional health benefits geared towards accommodating care for medical conditions which were not covered on the standard plan will include the coverage of high-technology CT scans and MRIs in case of life-threatening conditions and emergencies; general ward admission and prolonged bed rest with a maximum of 90 days, treatment of cancer; cataract removal surgery; removal of large fibroids; provision of prosthetic limbs, renal dialysis and extension of family plan coverage by one year for public servants on oracle who retires with effect from January 2022.
Speaking on Friday during a joint media briefing and sensitisation among Union Leaders in the public service in Lagos State on “Ilera Eko Additional Benefits Package to Civil Servants”, held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, the Head of Service, Lagos State Public Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola disclosed that the State government designed the additional benefits as a support programme for Public Servants to expand their health insurance coverage to cover more medical conditions as a means of ensuring that public servants and their family members have access to quality and affordable health care services.
The Head of Service, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Sesan Ogundeko disclosed that the State Government has also introduced a trans-border Health Care provision for Lagos Public Servants residing in Ogun state to enable public servants residing in Ogun to have access to quality health services.
Earlier, Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi stated that the new package initiative which is at no cost will be a great relief for public servants who reside on the border of Ogun State and Lagos and will ensure that the affected public servants and their families have equal access to quality health care services.
Professor Akin Abayomi, who was represented by the Chairman, Health Services Commission, Dr. Atinuke Onayiga, explained further that the Lagos State Health Management Agency has also provided Tele medicine services for public servants at no cost. She added that public servants will have 24-hour access to quality care as all enrolled public servants and their family members can speak with doctors via phone calls and messages at any time of the day.
“The agency also made available Telemedicine – Eko Telemed – 0800EKOMED (08000EKOMED) 08000356633 at no cost to civil servants. This will ensure all public servants have 24/7 access to quality care as all enrolled public servants and their families can speak to doctors via phone call on WhatsApp or Video call any time of the day”, he said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, in his remarks, explained that health insurance is mandatory for all residents of the state and the government on its side is tirelessly playing its role in providing sustainable health care services in the State without leaving anyone behind as Lagos is taking the lead in the provision of more advanced Insurance packages for residents.
Dr. Ogboye, however, encouraged public servants to take advantage of the insurance packages and carefully select health facilities closest to them, noting that the new insurance package now includes pre-existing conditions like TB and HIV that were not initially covered.
General Manager, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emanuella Zamba stated that the agency will continue to monitor the utilisation of the resources such that Lagosian have access to sustainable health care as promised by the present administration.
Dr. Zamba, however, appreciated the Ogun State Government for agreeing to go on the laudable journey with Lagos State Government, assuring that the initiatives will not stop here as there is still a lot going on behind scene to ensure that everyone can enjoy their right to health care.
