The Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu, has called on Lagos State government to enforce the compulsory health insurance policy for all residents.

Speaking when the newly appointed Chief Medical Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the General Hospital, Odon, Lagos Island, Dr Sola Pitan, paid a visit to his palace, Akiolu stated that it is important that the compulsory health insurance policy is implemented because it is critical to ensuring preventive healthcare among the citizens.

The monarch said the state government could make health insurance policy a prerequisite to accessing services like admission into government owned schools and institutions, as well as procurement of driver’s licence including vehicle documents.

He was optimistic that if the government enforces the compulsory health insurance policy, it would help to ensure better healthcare for the populace.

He also said medical and health personnel should be treated with some form of preference because of the responsibility they are tasked with.

He advised the new CMD to be upright and not be greedy including ensuring that his staff does not personalised drugs and facilities meant for the citizens and patients.

The monarch warned that anyone using his name illegally to curry favour about town should be ready to go to jail because when caught, he will ensure that such persons is tried and jailed.

Pitan thanked the monarch for accepting him into his palace, saying the visit became important because of the role traditional institutions play in community development.

He added that he planned to engage in a lot of community outreaches around Lagos Island and the traditional institution will play a critical role in it especially as it would be done in partnership with the palace.

According to Pitan, the goal is to uplift the general hospital into a teaching hospital as part of the efforts to enhance better healthcare delivery through training and producing more qualified medical and health personnel.