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Lagos – The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to widen access to healthcare by taking its mandatory health insurance campaign directly to vulnerable communities in Badagry Division. The initiative seeks to expand enrolment under the State’s social health insurance scheme through community-based outreach.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency, in partnership with Health District V and DIDE Foundation, launched a two-day EKO Social Health Alliance Community Storm across parts of Badagry. The exercise focuses on enrolling vulnerable residents into the ILERA EKO health insurance scheme.
Speaking during the flag-off at Posukoh Ward, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, declared that ILERA EKO is now compulsory for every resident of Lagos State. She said the policy applies regardless of income or social status.
Dr Zamba said the programme guarantees access to quality and equitable healthcare for residents across the state. She noted that the community campaign was designed to ensure vulnerable people benefit from the scheme without financial barriers.
She explained that beneficiaries would enjoy one year of free health insurance under the initiative. According to her, the enrolment is funded through the state’s Equity Fund for vulnerable residents.
Dr Zamba listed services covered under ILERA EKO. They include registration, consultations, treatment of malaria, hypertension, diabetes, cough, maternal healthcare, emergency care, surgeries and pharmaceutical services.
She added that maternal health benefits include both caesarean sections and normal deliveries. Childhood illnesses are also covered under the insurance package.
The Permanent Secretary commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for dedicating one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to the Equity Fund. She said the intervention supports health insurance enrolment for vulnerable residents.
She also praised the Governor for increasing the Equity Fund from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion. According to her, the increase will strengthen healthcare access for disadvantaged communities across the state.
Dr Zamba urged beneficiaries to seek treatment at accredited hospitals whenever they fall ill. She advised against self-medication, stressing that early medical attention improves health outcomes.
She encouraged enrollees experiencing challenges at hospitals or community pharmacies to contact LASHMA through its customer service channels. She said the agency remains available to respond to complaints and provide support.
The Permanent Secretary of Health District V, Dr Oladapo Ashiyanbi, said residents would receive additional health services during the outreach. These include childhood immunisation, vital checks, eye screening, tuberculosis screening and dental care.
He urged residents to participate actively in the programme. He also advised those receiving treatment to take prescribed medications as directed, stressing that good health remains invaluable.
The Executive Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, commended the Lagos State Government for extending healthcare interventions to riverine communities. He described the initiative as inclusive and beneficial.
Kumayon disclosed that a boat had been donated to residents of Ojogun riverine community. He said the facility would ease transportation to healthcare centres selected by beneficiaries.
He added that two more boats would be provided for the community. According to him, the intervention would improve access to healthcare services across the riverine area.
The Possu of Badagry Kingdom and Osewekan Bana I of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko, welcomed the commencement of the campaign in the kingdom. He described the programme as timely and beneficial for residents.
Chief Iroko said hospital treatment remains beyond the financial reach of many families. He noted that free health insurance for vulnerable residents would improve access to healthcare and strengthen community well-being.
He stated that ILERA EKO was credible and effective. According to him, he has personally benefited from the scheme and encouraged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity provided by the state government.
The Chairman of the Community Development Association, Posukoh, Elder Hungbo Mayomi, also praised the initiative. He urged beneficiaries to place greater priority on their health and overall well-being.
Officials disclosed that six of the ten wards in Badagry have already been covered by the enrolment exercise. The communities include Jegba Quarters, Posukoh, Ajara Topa, Ajido, Ikoga and Togo Idale, alongside the riverine community of Ojogun.
