The Lagos State Government has said that the state is currently providing free health insurance to 40,000 residents in recognition of the economic status of many Lagosians especially the less privileged.
This is as the state has also launched a crowdfunding programme and installment payment plan, all geared towards providing access for residents and ramping up facilities in the State for effective and efficient healthcare.
This disclosure was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, while speaking at the launch of Ilera Eko Day, a symbolic social campaign designed to integrate Lagos residents into the health insurance policy of the State government, on Tuesday, at LTV Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
Abayomi said that the launch of Ilera Eko marked a distinct milestone in the State government’s efforts to ensure sustained access to quality and affordable healthcare to the teeming population.
On his part, Chairman of Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Adetokunbo Alakija, said Ilera Eko would be celebrated annually to mark the journey to 100% coverage of the informal sector by the State Health Scheme.
The Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who also attended the event, urged residents to sign up for the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS), saying it is in the collective interest of the State and the wellbeing of the people for all to join the scheme.
She said the scheme aptly signifies the commitment of the present administration towards promoting the human right to health and a resilient healthcare network.
READ: Sanwo-Olu says construction of highway at Lekki Free Zone to start in 2 months
Mrs. Sanwo-Olusaid, “Essentially, the Scheme, which is administered by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), is aimed at ensuring Lagosians have access to the needed healthcare without suffering financial hardship; close the gap between the demand for health spending and available public resources, as well as reduce the prolonged reliance on out-of-pocket spending by families across the State”.
“The evolution of this scheme identifies with the global clarion call to inclusive health make-up which is termed Universal Health Coverage. This was conceptualized to close glaring coverage gaps and meet the health targets agreed under the Sustainable Development Goals.’’
She noted that the harsh lessons of COVID-19 had sparked new urgency around health systems and universal health coverage, saying the focus is now shifting towards preventive healthcare as against curative health.
The First Lady said, “As we embark on this path to Universal Health Coverage, Ilera Eko is passionately calling us to take responsibility for our health. We are determined to leave no one behind. All residents, regardless of socio-economic and ethnoreligious identity, including the vulnerable, are encouraged to make the right choices by signing up for this scheme because our lives, livelihoods and future depend on it.’’
READ: Nightclub owners in Lagos appeal to government to allow safe reopening
What you should know
- Under the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS), the premium for a family of 6 is N40,000 per annum, while N8,500 is for individuals within the same period.
- The healthcare services covered under the scheme include outpatient care for common ailments and conditions; maternal, newborn and child care including Caesarian Section where necessary; access to family planning counseling and services; management of uncomplicated chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, among others; access to HIV and TB testing services; minor surgeries such as incision drainage, herniorrhaphy, appendectomy, and health promotion and disease prevention.
LAGOS FIRST LADY URGES RESIDENTS TO SIGN UP FOR HEALTH SCHEME
… As LASG Provides Free Health Insurance to 40,000 Residents@jidesanwoolu @JokeSanwoolu @drobafemihamzat @LSMOH @ProfAkinAbayomi @SegsDr @LagHealthScheme @Oreoluwa_Finnih #LASG
More.. https://t.co/mhjUDuZw65 pic.twitter.com/I987eLPD3s— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) March 23, 2021