Lagos State has introduced new health insurance products as part of its efforts to ensure that Lagos residents have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.
The creation of the new range of plans and expansion of the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme – ILERA EKO – was borne out of the need to cover more health challenges in addition to accommodating prevalent medical conditions while addressing economic realities of residents, particularly those in the informal sector, according to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, represented by Dr. Ibijoke Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State.
He also revealed that the development is the result of a collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to conduct an actuarial analysis of the current benefits package.
The governor stated that the study’s findings influenced the design of an improved standard health benefit plan at no additional cost to enrollees, as well as the development of other health plans to address the health needs of Lagos residents.
He also stated that the expansion of health insurance prioritizes the welfare of the vulnerable in the state, as the scheme is designed to ensure that every Lagosian, regardless of social-economic differences, receives the best and most affordable healthcare services in any of their preferred facilities.
Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Commissioner for Health, stated that the new plan is being launched in order to achieve universal advancement of the state’s health sector, and he urged Lagos residents to seize the opportunity to secure their health while they are still healthy. He urged Lagos residents to take advantage of the opportunity to secure their health now, rather than waiting until they are sick.
In her opinion, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, the General Manager of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), stated that affordability was a major component of the new health plans that would be provided to Lagos residents, while also emphasizing that the agency’s priority is the residents’ good health.
Emmanuella also stated that the rebranding is required due to the need to include the informal sector, which accounts for approximately 75% of the State’s population, in the health scheme.
