The push for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos State gained significant momentum today as the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) announced new registration requirements in partnership with the Lagos State Health Insurance Management Agency (LASHMA).
Under the new directive, traditional medicine practitioners in the state will be required to provide an Ilèra Èkó health insurance policy number as a mandatory prerequisite for the registration and renewal of their professional licenses.
Enforcement and Compliance
The announcement followed a follow-up visit by the LASHMA enforcement team to the LSTMB headquarters. The visit aimed to evaluate compliance levels among staff and stakeholders while ensuring the integration of the Ilèra Èkó Health Insurance Programme into the board’s core operations.
The Acting Registrar of LSTMB, Mr. Hakeem Bello, confirmed that the board has already achieved internal compliance, noting that all staff members who were previously unregistered have now completed their documentation and are awaiting final feedback from LASHMA.
Strengthening State Synergy
To further drive the initiative, the board plans to integrate health insurance education into its broader outreach strategy.
“With the new development in town, the Board will subsequently invite LASHMA to participate in advocacy and sensitisation programmes to further spread the message to practitioners,” Bello stated.
A Goal for All Residents
LASHMA Team Lead, Mr. Lucas Raheem, emphasized that the primary objective of this collaboration is to ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to every Lagosian, regardless of their financial standing. He commended the LSTMB for its “proactive approach” in adopting the mandate.
By making the policy number mandatory for practitioners, the state aims to create a structured pathway toward total health coverage, ensuring those providing care are also protected by the state’s health scheme.
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