Sanwo-Olu Launches Rural Health Insurance Scheme to Expand Access for Underserved Lagos Communities

By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal

In a bold step toward achieving universal health coverage, the Lagos State Government has launched the Rural Health Scheme under the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) to extend affordable healthcare to rural and hard-to-reach communities across the state.

The initiative, implemented through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), was officially flagged off at Agboyi Ori Omi Community in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA). It forms part of the Rural Health Insurance Initiative, introduced in line with an Executive Order by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to ensure that every Lagos resident, regardless of location or social status, is covered under the state’s mandatory health insurance policy.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, described the launch as a “historic milestone” in Lagos State’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support for social protection initiatives, noting that his approval of the Equity Fund had provided a sustainable financial backbone for health programmes targeted at vulnerable populations.

According to Dr Zamba, the pilot phase of the Rural Health Scheme will be implemented in five communities across the state’s three senatorial districts, Agboyi Ori-Omi in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA and Iba Oloja in Ibeju-Lekki (Lagos East), Lafiaji and Okun Ajah in Eti-Osa (Lagos Central), and Boglo in Badagry (Lagos West).

Expressing delight over the development, His Royal Majesty, Oba Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, the Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, hailed the initiative as a “new dawn” for his community. He expressed optimism that the scheme would bridge existing healthcare gaps, especially pending the rehabilitation of Agboyi’s health centre.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mrs Adetola Adunni Abubakar, represented by the Vice Chairman, Mr Yomi Ganiu, expressed appreciation to the state government for selecting Agboyi as the flag-off location. She pledged the council’s full support to mobilise residents to enrol and take advantage of the services.

The Lagos Rural Health Insurance Scheme is expected to significantly improve healthcare access for thousands of residents in underserved areas, strengthening the state’s drive toward inclusive and equitable health coverage.