Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State inaugurated a special insurance scheme on Tuesday aimed at enrolling at least one million additional participants from the informal sector.
The initiative, known as ILERA EKO Standard Jaara Health Insurance Plan, is designed to alleviate the burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses and ensure universal healthcare access across the state.
The launch ceremony, held at Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, included the commissioning of five Virtual Booths located at Ketu, Ayetoro, Sabo, Adamo, and Epe markets.
These booths are intended to provide accessible healthcare services to market traders and facilitate enrollment in the health insurance scheme.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the state government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility through subsidizing health insurance premiums.
He called upon the informal sector, constituting 70% of the state’s population, to take advantage of ILERA EKO to reduce their healthcare expenses.
Additionally, he urged the formal sector to enroll their employees in the scheme, which would also benefit companies by reducing medical costs.
“In launching these initiatives today, we affirm LASHMA’s dedication to improving healthcare accessibility,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.
“The ILERA EKO Standard Jaara Health Insurance Plan offers enhanced benefits, including subsidized premiums, to ensure healthcare is within reach for everyone.”
The governor also announced the establishment and training of an Enforcement team tasked with implementing the Lagos State Health Scheme Law and domesticating the National Health Insurance Authority Act.
He cautioned against non-compliance, stressing that violators would face consequences once enforcement measures are fully operational.
Highlighting the significance of the newly commissioned Virtual Booths, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted their role in extending LASHMA’s healthcare reach across the state.
These booths aim to provide convenient healthcare services to market traders, eliminating the need for lengthy trips to hospitals during illnesses.
Adebayo Adedewe, Chairman of Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), underscored the agency’s commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare.
He emphasized the role of technology in facilitating seamless registration, payment processes, and customer service, ensuring efficient healthcare delivery.
“The ILERA EKO Standard Jaara Health Insurance Plan builds upon our success with the ILERA EKO Standard Plan,” Adedewe explained. ”
It includes additional benefits such as annual wellness checks, telemedicine services, and eye surgeries (cataract), enhancing the overall healthcare experience for enrollees.”
Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, highlighted the agency’s comprehensive healthcare offerings, including primary and secondary care services and specialized packages like New Baby Jaara Plus.
She reassured the public of the affordability of the health insurance plans and expressed the agency’s goal to enroll an additional one million participants within the next year.
The launch event concluded with Governor Sanwo-Olu being appointed as the Grand Ambassador of Universal Health Care for Lagos State, symbolizing his commitment to advancing healthcare accessibility and affordability in the state.
