Lagos State has expanded its free health insurance programme to include coverage for major and minor surgeries, antenatal care, child healthcare, clinical tests and specialist consultations as part of efforts to improve access to affordable healthcare services for residents.
The initiative, introduced under the ILERA EKO health insurance scheme, will provide one-year free medical coverage for 1,320 residents across the three senatorial districts in Lagos through a partnership between the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority and the Lagos State Health Management Agency.
Officials said beneficiaries would have access to healthcare services in both public and private hospitals as well as primary healthcare centres within and outside Lagos State. Brandspur Brand News reports that the programme also covers family planning services, postnatal care, patient registration and general medical consultations aimed at improving healthcare access for underserved communities.
Speaking during a medical outreach programme in Festac, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, said the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to strengthen public healthcare delivery and improve the wellbeing of residents across the state.
Representatives of the Lagos State Health Management Agency noted that the government has continued expanding the scheme to different parts of the state, including Lagos Island, Agege and Ikorodu, as part of broader efforts to deepen universal health coverage.
Health sector analysts said the expansion of the ILERA EKO programme could reduce financial pressure on low-income households by increasing access to preventive and specialist healthcare services.
Stakeholders also noted that partnerships between state agencies and healthcare providers may help improve healthcare accessibility, reduce treatment delays and strengthen public confidence in government-backed health insurance initiatives.
