LASHMA calls for implementation of health insurance plan

•Sanwo-Olu seeks partnership with health insurance stakeholders on NHIA Act domestication 

Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged critical stakeholders in the State health insurance value chain, including health management organizations (HMOs), health care providers, corporate organizations, health insurance coverage providers, policy makers and employers of labour and employees to support, partner and cooperate with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) to domesticate the National Health Insurance Authority Act of May, 2022 and also ensure compliance with the provision of the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) law.  

MEANWHILE, the Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Emmanuel Zamba, has insisted the implementation of a social health insurance programme neither stifles nor represses the private health insurance space as they both complement each other.
   
Speaking at the maiden Lagos State Health Insurance Summit, she noted in the spirit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and catering for different segments of the population, “we are allies working towards a common purpose; providing accessible, efficient, and high-quality healthcare to all residents of our dear State. Together, we can create a healthcare system that leaves no one behind and reflects the compassion and strength of our great nation.”

She recalled, LASHMA over the past three years “has tirelessly and intentionally worked in creating enduring structures, operationalizing the social health plan’s implementation, exploring innovative strategies and initiatives in advancing the cause of UHC. 
   
“Concerted efforts have been made to increase coverage, while leveraging on technology and partnerships, which we thankfully enjoy a preponderance of. Certainly, we wouldn’t have made these strides and come this far without the support of Sanwo-Olu for which we sincerely thank and appreciate him.”
   
On his part, Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted he has given executive order for domestication of the National Health Insurance Act (NHIA). He said the directive would make it possible for stakeholders to collaborate and ensure Lagosians have access to qualitative and affordable healthcare.
  
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Olusegun Ogboye, he disclosed, “we are currently building new health facilities and remodeling the existing ones.”
 
With the theme, ‘Accelerating Social Health Insurance Coverage in Lagos State: Domesticating the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act,’ he insisted every resident of Lagos deserves access to quality healthcare, especially small businesses.
   
He noted: “We have committed a minimum of one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund as Equity Fund to the Lagos State Health Fund to provide coverage for vulnerable groups purchasing Ilera Eko Plans.”The governor also launched the Ilera Eko Virtual Booth, which aims to change the healthcare narrative of Lagosians.