To ensure no Lagos resident experiences any hindrance in accessing good healthcare services in the state, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustain public engagement initiatives.
These initiatives include promoting health insurance awareness, encouraging early health-seeking behaviour, and strengthening inclusive healthcare policies.
According to LASHMA, at the one-day Media parley for this quarter, the resolutions are in tandem with the Lagos State Government’s broader commitment to expanding healthcare access through the ILERA EKO Social Health Insurance Scheme.
The Scheme stands to provide affordable healthcare services to residents across accredited facilities in the state.
Shedding more light on same, the permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, explained that the ongoing reforms and innovations within the agency, including increased enforcement of the state’s mandatory health insurance policy, expanded stakeholders engagement across local governments, and the introduction of “ILERA EKO EasyPay,” a wallet-based payment platform are all creatively designed to allow residents make gradual contributions toward health insurance premiums.
According to Dr Zamba, the initiative was introduced to reduce financial barriers for low- and middle-income earners, especially those in the informal sector.
“As we continue to build a healthier Lagos, we remain committed to transparency, collaboration, innovation, and trust.”
Head of Business Development, Mr. Olatunji Rotimi, added that to tackle affordability barriers, LASHMA has introduced the ILERA EKO EasyPay wallet, which allows residents to contribute instalmentally towards premiums.
Adding that, ‘EasyPay wallet is, “a child of necessity,” which responds to residents’ demand for flexible payment options.“Pay small, small… and once it adds up to the premium, you can access care.”
Olatunji throw more light, “under the model, individuals and families can contribute in bits, daily, weekly, or as income comes in over a period of up to three months. Once the required premium is reached, the system automatically activates their health insurance coverage.”
The Agency also highlighted capacity-building efforts, including training 72 journalists in social health insurance reporting— underscoring the media’s role in shaping public perception.
