The Lagos State Government has commenced a two-day community outreach in Badagry to enrol vulnerable residents into its public health insurance scheme at no cost for one year, as part of efforts to accelerate universal health coverage across the state.
The initiative, organised by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) in collaboration with Health District V and the DIDE Foundation, marked the launch of the EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) in communities across the Badagry Division. The outreach offers free health insurance registration, medical screenings and a range of essential healthcare services.
Speaking at the launch in Posukoh Ward, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the state’s social health insurance programme, ILERA EKO, is now mandatory for all Lagos residents, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
Zamba explained that beneficiaries enrolled under the scheme would have access to comprehensive healthcare services, including medical consultations, treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, management of chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes, maternal and child healthcare, emergency care, surgical procedures and pharmaceutical services.
She urged newly enrolled residents to make use of accredited healthcare facilities under the scheme instead of resorting to self-medication, stressing that early access to quality healthcare would improve health outcomes and reduce preventable deaths.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of Health District V, Mr. Oladapo Ashiyanbi, encouraged residents of Badagry to take full advantage of the outreach, noting that the exercise also provides childhood immunisation, tuberculosis screening, eye and dental care, as well as routine medical check-ups.
The community outreach is part of the Lagos State Government’s broader strategy to increase health insurance coverage among vulnerable populations and strengthen access to affordable, quality healthcare for all residents.
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