By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has urged journalists reporting health and health insurance issues to prioritise accuracy, fairness, balance and the protection of vulnerable groups.
The agency’s Technical Assistance on Media and Advocacy, Adeyinka Gbemibade, gave the charge during a capacity-building programme for journalists on the Lagos State Health Scheme (ILERA EKO).
Gbemibade said ethical reporting was essential to building public confidence in the health insurance system, noting that journalists must verify facts, statistics and policy details before publication and consult credible sources and experts where necessary.
“We have to ensure that we build public confidence in health insurance systems. We have to also protect vulnerable populations in whatever that we are writing, because health insurance ensures equity,” she said.
She cautioned journalists against publishing unverified allegations, one-sided reports and sensational stories, urging them to give all parties involved in a dispute the opportunity to respond.
According to her, reporters should also protect the privacy and dignity of patients by obtaining informed consent before using personal experiences or testimonials and safeguarding medical and financial information.
Gbemibade further advised journalists to simplify medical and insurance terminology for public understanding, distinguish facts from opinions, and use statistics responsibly by providing adequate context.
She encouraged solutions-focused reporting that highlights reforms, innovations and success stories capable of promoting accountability and improving the healthcare system.
LASHMA offers journalists free health insurance
The LASHMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, described journalists as important partners and gatekeepers in creating public awareness about health insurance.
“Every single person that is writing with respect to health must know what we are doing, because it’s very important. We are partners in progress,” she said.
Zamba announced that LASHMA would provide the participating journalists with free health insurance coverage under ILERA EKO, encouraging them to experience the scheme first-hand and provide feedback on their experiences.
She said the initiative was intended to help the journalists become better-informed advocates and champions of health insurance in Lagos State.
The President of the Health Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Vivian Ihechu, commended LASHMA for partnering with journalists in capacity building as well as the journalists for their participation and engagement throughout the training.
Participants who distinguished themselves were recognised in categories including early arrival, attentiveness and active participation, as part of efforts to encourage continuous professional development among health journalists.
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