By Esther Olaoluwa |
In a major drive to expand equitable healthcare, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), in partnership with Health District V and the DIDE Foundation, has launched a two-day EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) community storm in the Badagry Division. The initiative brings free healthcare coverage directly to the doorsteps of vulnerable residents across several local wards.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony in Posukoh ward, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, emphasized that enrollment in the state’s social health insurance scheme, ILERA EKO, is now legally mandatory for all Lagos residents regardless of socio-economic standing. She explained that the EKOSHA community storm is explicitly designed to target underserved populations, enrolling them in the scheme free of charge for one full year.
“The Social Health Insurance Programme of the State Government, popularly known as ILERA EKO, is now mandatory for all residents of the State, irrespective of their socio-economic status,” Dr. Zamba stated. “Under ILERA EKO, enrollees enjoy comprehensive services including consultations, treatment for common and chronic ailments like hypertension and diabetes, maternal care such as caesarean sections, pediatric care, surgeries, and pharmaceutical services.”
Increased Funding and Direct Community Support
Dr. Zamba revealed that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu demonstrated his commitment to vulnerable citizens by dedicating one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CFR) as an Equity Fund. Crucially, the Governor recently increased this allocation from N1 Billion to N3 Billion, significantly expanding the agency’s capacity to absorb marginalized families.
To ensure seamless patient care, LASHMA urged enrollees to avoid self-medication and utilize registered hospitals. Residents experiencing issues at facilities or pharmacies were encouraged to reach out through LASHMA’s 24/7 toll-free hotlines (0800-ILERA EKO or 0800-ASKLASHMA), as well as non-toll-free numbers (0916-918-5920, 0916-977-1641) or dedicated WhatsApp support lines (0704-535-8275, 0704-616-0051).
Complementing LASHMA’s insurance drive, the Permanent Secretary of Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Ashiyanbi, noted that the two-day outreach provides immediate medical interventions alongside registration.
“During this community storm, residents will have access to immunization for children, vital signs checks, free eye and tuberculosis screening, and specialized dental care,” Dr. Ashiyanbi said. “We urge everyone to come out en masse, undergo screening, and follow prescribed treatments because health is wealth.”
Overcoming Geographic Barriers in Riverine Areas
Local leaders commended the State Government for extending vital health services to hard-to-reach, riverine territories. The Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, highlighted measures taken to ensure transport barriers do not prevent access to clinical care.
“To ensure easy movement for residents in the Ojogun riverine area of Olorunda LCDA, a boat has been donated to transport community members across the water to access healthcare services,” Hon. Kumayon revealed. “Two additional boats will be provided shortly to further ease transportation.”
Traditional leaders also endorsed the state’s intervention. Applauding LASHMA for prioritizing Badagry Kingdom, the Possu of Badagry Kingdom and Osewekan Bana 1, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko, attested to the validity of the insurance program based on his personal experience.
“This is a commendable initiative because seeking medical care at hospitals is very expensive for many people,” Chief Iroko noted. “Having personally benefited from ILERA EKO, I can confirm it is genuine. I appeal to all beneficiaries to make full use of this opportunity provided by the Lagos State Government.”
Widespread Community Impact Across Badagry Wards
Community leaders, including Elder Hungbo Mayomi, Chairman of the Posukoh Community Development Association (CDA), urged beneficiaries to prioritize their well-being and leverage the one-year free coverage.
The outreach has already successfully enrolled vulnerable residents across six out of the 10 wards in Badagry, including Jegba Quarters, Posukoh, Ajara Topa, Ajido, Ikoga, Togo Idale, and the riverine community of Ojogun. Registrations across the remaining wards are ongoing. Additionally, educational support was integrated into the exercise, with the DIDE Foundation distributing free WAEC forms to secondary school students throughout the visited communities.
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