Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has reiterated that the government is committed to providing quality healthcare services to the indigent people, irrespective of their tribe, religion, and gender.

The commissioner said this at a fundraising event to support the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) programme of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), held at Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said Lagos State government and LASHMA are united under a shared belief that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right not a privilege.

He said Lagos State government recognised that health is wealth, and the well-being of the community is intricately connected to the well-being of each and every one of its members.

“We acknowledged the power we hold when we come together for a common cause,” Abayomi said.
He said the challenges faced by the vulnerable people in the society may seem daunting but collective strength has the potential to transform lives and create a ripple effect of compassion and support.
“We aim to extend the safety net of health insurance to the vulnerable people ensuring that they could access essential medical services without the burden of financial hardship,” he said.

The commissioner explained that it is very important to note that the Lagos State Health Maintenance Agency in July 2023 engaged the services of a medical doctor and artist that include children that have drawing and painting skills across various orphanage homes in the state to support through fundraising.

“This is worthy of emulation because these are the vulnerable people in the society, and I wish they could do more,” he said.

Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr Emmanuela Zamba, said the agency was ensuring all vulnerable/poor residents of Lagos State have access to quality and affordable healthcare irrespective of social and financial status.

She said: “We mobilise adequate funding through a strategic alliance with suitable private financial institutions, such as Road Safety Corps and population leveraging a crowd funding financial model to provide additional funding options for the healthcare of at least six million vulnerable residents of Lagos.”

Zamba said the agency urges individuals, faith-based organisations, telecoms and mobile network providers, development partners and corporate bodies to apply their corporate and commercial social responsibilities to support the paying of premiums for their healthcare coverage for the initial or targeted estimated six million most vulnerable people.