- LASHMA Evaluates Hospitals to Strengthen Healthcare Access
- Targets Universal Health Coverage with New Compliance Exercise
- Expands ILERA EKO Enforcement Across State
The Lagos State Health Management Agency has begun a statewide assessment of healthcare facilities as part of preparations to enforce the Executive Order on mandatory social health insurance across Lagos.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the exercise covers all hospitals under the ILERA EKO scheme, including public facilities such as general hospitals and primary health centres, as well as selected private hospitals with high patient traffic.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Daddy G.O Arrested Over Alleged Abuse of 16-Year-Old Girl
- Anti-Drug Drive Intensifies as Court Jails Female Convict in Edo
- Fire Destroys Property Worth Millions in Cross River Community
Speaking in Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Emmanuella Zamba, explained that the assessment is aimed at evaluating how prepared healthcare providers are for full implementation of the policy.
She noted that the exercise will also help identify gaps, strengthen compliance, and ensure that hospitals are equipped to register and enrol patients who are not yet covered under the ILERA EKO Health Insurance Plan.
According to her, the initiative will also ensure that vulnerable residents are identified and enrolled, giving them access to quality healthcare services alongside paying enrollees.
Zamba added that facilities are expected to meet specific requirements, including having designated staff for ILERA EKO operations, proper complaint channels, clear signage, and systems to support continuous service delivery.
She said the effort aligns with the state government’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that residents can access healthcare without financial strain.
The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving service quality, accessibility, and efficiency, noting that continuous monitoring will be key to sustaining progress.
She also encouraged residents who have not yet enrolled in the ILERA EKO scheme to take advantage of the programme, which provides affordable and comprehensive healthcare services.
As part of efforts to expand coverage, LASHMA is engaging the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners to bring more private healthcare providers into the scheme.
Meanwhile, medical directors across participating hospitals commended the Lagos State Government, led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for introducing the policy, describing it as a major step toward improving access to healthcare.
They also pledged their support for the initiative and readiness to comply with its requirements.
Currently, LASHMA works with over 765 healthcare providers under the ILERA EKO scheme, including federal medical centres, teaching hospitals, general hospitals, private hospitals, diagnostic centres, pharmacies, and specialised care facilities.
