In a bid to enhance healthcare access and strengthen stakeholder engagement, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) held the first-quarter 2025 Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Town Hall Meeting for Health Districts I & VI on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Bariga LCDA Hall.
The event which brought 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, addressed service accessibility, policy updates, and common challenges, reinforcing the state’s commitment to universal health coverage and ensuring no resident is left behind.
Declaring the meeting open, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, welcomed all attendees and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making healthcare affordable and accessible for all residents. She commended the contributions of Local Government Chairmen, Supervisors for Health, Royal Fathers, and other key stakeholders, emphasising that collaboration is crucial in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos State.
Dr. Zamba highlighted the impact of the Ilera Eko scheme and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), noting that Lagos State has invested over N1.69 billion into BHCPF since its full commencement in 2022, benefiting 133,408 enrollees across accredited Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
“Through the Ilera Eko equity fund, the state government has ensured total coverage for vulnerable populations, with over 372,620 beneficiaries recorded since EKOSHA’s launch in December 2022,” Dr. Zamba stated. She further revealed that Lagos was the first state to allocate and increase the equity fund, with N2.2 billion invested since inception.
“Beyond healthcare coverage, LASHMA has 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,” Dr. Zamba announced.
She also underscored 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 promoting 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 concluded.
Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mrs. Rita Chukwu, who was represented by the Deputy Director at NHIA, Mrs. Chinyere Nwaohiri commended LASHMA for its continuous engagement with stakeholders. She noted that consistent dialogue is key to identifying and resolving challenges affecting health insurance service delivery.
“Without an alliance, health insurance programmes 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, 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.
Otun Iyaloja of Oyediran Market, Shomolu, Chief (Mrs.) Akinwale Omolabake, also praised the state’s efforts, urging 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 meeting 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 Programme is truly a lifesaver,” she remarked.
As the meeting concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening healthcare access in Lagos. The engagement underscored the importance of continued collaboration to achieve the overarching goal of Universal Health Coverage for all residents of Lagos State.
