Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed an Executive Order mandating all workers and residents to subscribe to the social health insurance scheme, a move hailed by the Nigeria Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Forum as a significant step towards enhancing the health and well-being of Lagosians.
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In a statement, UHC Chairman Moji Makanjuola and Co-Convener Gafar Alawode expressed their enthusiasm for the state government’s commitment to regularly releasing the equity fund to cover health insurance premiums for the poor and vulnerable populations.
“This decision represents a major leap forward in promoting the health and well-being of the people,” the statement read. The forum urged the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), the Lagos State Ministry of Health, other relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, and Civil Society Organisations to leverage this unprecedented opportunity.
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The forum emphasized the importance of establishing necessary implementation modalities to set Lagos State on the path to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services and ensure that no resident is left behind in the pursuit of a healthier Lagos State.
