Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed a groundbreaking Executive Order aimed at revolutionizing the healthcare system in Lagos through a comprehensive and accessible health insurance scheme. The directive, issued on July 16, 2024, is designed to make healthcare in the state both qualitative and affordable for all residents.
The initiative, known as the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme, is branded Ilera Eko and will be managed by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA). This strategic move involves a collaboration between the state government, the Ministry of Health, LASHMA, and private sector stakeholders to pool resources and enhance social health protection for vulnerable populations.
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In a press briefing, Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi outlined the key features of this transformative policy. He emphasized that the scheme aligns with the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022, which mandates state-level social health insurance as part of the effort to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“No Lagosian should have to choose between healthcare and other basic needs,” Abayomi stated. “This scheme is designed to eliminate those barriers and ensure everyone can receive the care they require, when they require it.”
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The Executive Order outlines several critical components to ensure the success of this initiative:
- Promotion of Health Insurance: An extensive public campaign will be launched to promote the adoption of health insurance. The campaign will highlight the benefits of health insurance in safeguarding against high out-of-pocket expenses and financial ruin from unexpected illnesses.
- Enforcement Grace Period: A six-month public sensitization period will precede the enforcement of the health insurance mandate. During this time, residents will be encouraged to enroll in either the Ilera Eko scheme or an equivalent state-approved private health insurance plan. This approach simplifies compliance with both the Executive Order and the NHIA law by avoiding duplication in enrollment.
- Public-Private Synergy: The initiative aims to foster a productive partnership between the government’s Ilera Eko scheme and private sector health insurance systems. By leveraging the resources and expertise of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), the government seeks to broaden and enhance health coverage, ensuring that every citizen has access to at least basic social health protection.
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Prof. Abayomi expressed gratitude towards Governor Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and commitment to healthcare reform. “We are profoundly grateful for Governor Sanwo-Olu’s bold vision and steadfast support for healthcare reform in Lagos State. His leadership in issuing this Executive Order exemplifies his dedication to ensuring every resident has access to quality healthcare,” he said.
This initiative is expected to significantly improve health outcomes for Lagos State residents by establishing a structured, regulated, and equitable health insurance scheme that caters to all Lagosians, marking a new era in the state’s healthcare landscape.
