Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his determination to ensure Universal Health Coverage (UHC), equity and access to quality healthcare irrespective of the residents’ socio-economic status has given free health insurance to the vulnerable in Ijede Local Council Development Area.
The General Manager, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, who disclosed this at the flag-off of EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Community Storm organised by the Agency, at Ijede LCDA, commended the Governor for his support, especially in providing special funds for the implementation of free health insurance coverage for the vulnerable in the State through EKOSHA.
She explained that EKOSHA is an initiative designed by the agency to provide a sustainable structure for the implementation of ILERA EKO free health plans for the vulnerable and indigent in the state.
The General Manager said that the provision of free health insurance coverage for the needy through EKOSHA is an integral part of the agency’s strategies to attain Universal Health Coverage in the state.
According to her, the provision aligns with the new National Health Insurance Act (NHIA) which makes health insurance mandatory in Nigeria.
She pledged that EKOSHA will be at the forefront of championing the inclusiveness of the vulnerable and preventing the disenfranchising of residents at the grassroots in accessing quality and affordable healthcare.
Zamba pledged that EKOSHA will collaborate with all the grassroots structures through the local government areas and local council development areas to ensure its presence in the communities.
She said that 30 EKOSHA field officers who will liaise with the community structures to identify vulnerable residents within the communities and facilitate their onboarding process using the Equity Fund from the Lagos State Government and the Basic Healthcare Provision Funds (BHCPF) from the Federal Government, have been engaged.
The General Manager said that EKOSHA is also at the forefront of partnering with the private sector for resource mobilisation and economic empowerment of the vulnerable in order to take them to a higher economic class.
She added that 1,000 Point of Sales (POS) systems would be distributed to the vulnerable in Ijede LCDA courtesy of First City Monument Bank in order to make them financially independent and uplift their economic status.
Zamba applauded the support of the Ministry of Health, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service for the conduct of Hepatitis B and C tests as well as blood group tests for the community members.
