The Lagos State Government has intensified its drive toward achieving universal health coverage by partnering with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to enforce mandatory enrollment in the state’s social health insurance scheme, Ilera Eko.
Through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), the government engaged members of the Lagos State Civil Society Partnership (LACSOP) at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Ikeja. The strategic meeting aimed to deepen grassroots awareness and rally support for the Executive Order on compulsory health insurance, ensuring all residents access affordable, quality healthcare without facing financial ruin.
A Three-Phase Enforcement Strategy
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the Executive Order as a major milestone in protecting residents from catastrophic health spending. She noted that Lagos is the first state to commence implementation processes following the domestication of the National Health Insurance Act.
“Government remains committed to building a sustainable and inclusive healthcare system. Enforcement activities commenced earlier this year, and our implementation strategy has been carefully structured into three phases to ensure broad-based compliance across the state.” stated Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA
According to Dr. Zamba, the first phase focuses on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through compliance assessments, public servant enrollment, and integrating health insurance requirements into service access procedures. The second phase targets the informal sector, leveraging Local Government Chairmen, market associations, and community influencers for grassroots mobilization. The third phase is directed at the organized private sector to secure wider employee enrollment and stronger private sector participation.
Dr. Zamba emphasized that CSOs are critical partners in advocacy and community mobilization. She added that special attention is being given to vulnerable groups, youth populations, persons living with disabilities, and survivors of domestic violence to ensure an inclusive, people-centered system.
Accountability and the N163 Billion Health Burden
Chairman of the Lagos Civil Society Partnership, Barrister Ayo Adebusoye, commended the state’s institutional commitment but urged citizens to actively utilize official complaint and feedback channels to drive accountability.
“Structured reporting mechanisms are vital for service improvement. Greater public awareness on the benefits of health insurance is necessary, as many people only recognize its importance during emergencies when out-of-pocket expenses become overwhelming.” stated Barrister Ayo Adebusoye, Chairman of LACSOP
The financial urgency of the scheme was underscored by LASHMA’s Head of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro, who revealed that Lagos residents spent nearly ₦163 billion on healthcare expenses in 2021 alone. She explained that the Lagos State Health Scheme Law was specifically enacted to eliminate these heavy financial burdens.
Tech-Driven Operations and Client Services
Detailing the scheme’s clinical workflow, LASHMA’s Head of Medical Operations, Dr. Olugbenga Fadipe, stated that healthcare access relies on a technology-driven authorization process designed to prevent treatment errors and system abuse. The system boasts an average response timeline of just 45 minutes for treatment authorizations and claims reviews.
To support this, Head of Client Services, Mr. Lanre Green, reminded residents of their rights and responsibilities under the scheme. He maintained that formal complaints, recommendations, and commendations remain critical tools for sharpening healthcare delivery.
The stakeholder engagement concluded with a unified call for collective ownership, with both government and civil society agreeing that sustained enrollment is the only way to ensure no Lagos resident is left behind.
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