In a bid to provide quality, affordable and accessible healthcare to its residents, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has signed a comprehensive Health Insurance Executive Order.
The state’s Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi who disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos emphasized that the initiative will significantly improve the health outcomes for the residents by
establishing a structured, regulated, equitable and sustainable health
insurance scheme that is inclusive of all Lagosians.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the objective of the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 – making state level social health insurance mandatory to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He said, “Social health insurance, universally practised in various forms, has numerous socioeconomic benefits. It pools contributory funds and spreads risk across a large group, minimizing individual financial exposure and enhancing protection.
“Such schemes provide social safety nets with equitable components aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Social Health Insurance schemes are typically mandatory to ensure wide coverage, maximizing collective benefits to society. Contributory premiums are modest, supporting the government in providing a standard level of care to all citizens regardless of socioeconomic status.
“The Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme is called Ilera Eko, which is managed by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA). Conversely, private health insurance is typically voluntary, private sector driven, competitive, and profit-driven, offering a wide range of services based on affordability. By creating synergies between social and private health insurance pathways, Lagos is promoting a platform for widespread uptake and sustainable healthcare coverage. ”
He added that the Executive Order signed by Mr Governor outlines several critical components aimed at revolutionizing healthcare delivery in the state.
The components designed to ensure comprehensive, equitable, and sustainable health coverage for all residents include, “Promotion of Health Insurance: The government will launch an extensive campaign to encourage the culture of adopting health insurance as a social and economic necessity.
