The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), in its drive to ensure that vulnerable residents in the State, have access to quality and equitable healthcare, has collaborated with the Health District V and DIDE Foundation, to kick-off a two-day EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) community storm at Badagry Division.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) flagging off the community storm at Posukoh ward, said that the Social Health Insurance Programme of the State Government popularly known as ILERA EKO, is now mandatory for all the residents of the State irrespective of their socio-economic status.
Dr. Zamba highlighted benefits to be enjoyed under ILERA EKO to include registration, consultation, treatment of common ailments such as malaria, chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cough, maternal services including ceasarean section (CS) and normal delivery, childhood illnesses, emergency services, surgeries and pharmaceutical services.
While applauding the Possu of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko, who is also the Osewekan Bana 1 of Badagry Kingdom, for supporting LASHMA to kick-off the programme from the ward, she mentioned that EKOSHA community storm, was designed to take Health insurance to the vulnerable and register them on the Scheme free of charge for one-year.
Dr. Zamba revealed that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has dedicated one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CFR) as Equity Fund for the enrolment of the vulnerable population in the State.
The Permanent Secretary also applauded Mr. Governor for increasing the Equity Fund from N1 Billion to N3 Billion Naira. She implored the Enrollees to utilize the hospital whenever they are sick rather than taking self-medication.
Dr. Zamba advised that whenever the Enrollees have any challenge at the hospital or community pharmacies, they should not hesitate to call LASHMA 24/7 Customer Service toll free numbers – 0800- ILERA EKO (0800-45372-356) or 0800-ASKLASHMA (0800-275-527-462).
She added that Enrollees can also reach out through the non-toll free numbers: 0916-918-5920, 0916-977-1641 or send WhatsApp message only to 0704-535-8275 or 0704-616-0051.
The Permanent Secretary, Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Ashiyanbi, said that during the community storm, residents will have access to immunization for their children, vital checks, free Health Insurance, free eye and tuberculosis screening as well as dental care.
He urged residents to come out enmass, undergo the screening and take their drugs as prescribed because health is wealth.
The Executive Chairman, Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, praised the State Government for not leaving out residents in the riverine communities.
He said that to ensure the easy movement of the residents in Ojogun riverine area of Olorunda LCDA, a boat has been donated to the community to transport them across the water so that they can have access to healthcare services at their chosen health facilities. He promised that two more boats would be provided.
In his remarks, the Possu and Osewekan Bana 1of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko, applauded the Lagos State Government for deeming it fit to commence EKOSHA community storm from the Kingdom.
He said “this is a good initiative by the State Government as going to the hospital is very expensive for a lot of people. With the free health insurance for the vulnerable, there is no doubt that the good health of the people will improve”.
Chief Iroko attested that ILERA EKO is not a scam as he has benefitted from it. He therefore appealed to beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity given to them by the Lagos State Government.
The Chairman, Community Development Association (CDA), Posukoh, Elder Hungbo Mayomi, commended LASHMA for the one-year free health insurance to the people in the community. He urged beneficiaries to prioritize their health and well-being.
Out of the 10 wards in Badagry, EKOSHA has enrolled residents in six wards including a riverine community, Ojogun in Olorunda LCDA, Badagry. The wards visited for the enrolment of the vulnerable population were Jegba Quarters, Posukoh, Ajara Topa, Ajido, Ikoga and Togo Idale. Enrolment in the other wards is to continue. Free WAEC forms were also given to secondary school students in the communities visited, courtesy of DIDE Foundation.
