By Elizabeth Olagoke Abai |
The Lagos State Government has intensified the implementation of its mandatory health insurance policy through the Ilera Eko initiative, aimed at expanding access to affordable and equitable healthcare for all residents.
The renewed enforcement effort was formalized at a policy meeting held at the Ministry of Health conference room, led by Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi.
Speaking at the event, Professor Abayomi described the initiative as both symbolic and strategic, emphasizing the state’s shift from out-of-pocket healthcare spending toward insurance-based financing.
“We have been battling with how to increase enrolment in Ilera Eko and change the culture of cash payment for healthcare,” Abayomi said. “Health insurance is a social safety net.”
He noted that Lagos State was the first in Nigeria to domesticate the 2022 National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act through an Executive Order issued in July 2024, which mandates health insurance coverage for residents. Abayomi also warned against stigmatization of insured patients, highlighting that negative perceptions of Ilera Eko enrollees could hinder uptake.
Dr. Ogunyemi reinforced the legal backing of the initiative, stressing that the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme now operates under enforceable law.
“This is about Universal Health Coverage and equitable access to quality healthcare for everyone,” she said. She commended the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) for its sustained public awareness campaigns and urged all health directors and officials to integrate Ilera Eko promotion into every government programme.
The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the investiture as a critical step in strengthening leadership and ensuring effective enforcement of the Executive Order.
The event concluded with the formal decoration of Professor Abayomi and Dr. Ogunyemi as Enforcement Leaders and Ilera Eko Champions, signaling Lagos State’s commitment to full compliance with mandatory health insurance and the broader goal of universal healthcare coverage.
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