.Igbobi Hospital medical director seeks implementation of NHIA Act

Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to provide quality healthcare services to indigent people in the state, irrespective of tribe, religion and gender.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who stated this during a fundraising ceremony to support the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) programme of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) held at Victoria Island, Lagos, said the state government and LASHMA are united under a shared belief that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right and not a privilege.

Abayomi said the challenges faced by the vulnerable people in the society may be daunting but the collective strength has the potential to transform lives and create a ripple effect of compassion and support.

Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuela Zamba, said the agency would ensure that all vulnerable/poor residents of the state have access to quality and affordable healthcare, irrespective of social and financial status.
Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, Dr. Mustapha Alimi, has urged implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, especially at the primary healthcare level, to stop out-of-pocket payments and offer free medical services.

According to him, this would help to achieve universal healthcare coverage in the country.

Alimi, who stated this, yesterday, during the 78th anniversary celebration of the hospital, noted that the major challenge of the hospital was lack of manpower.

He stressed the need to address the challenge to reduce medical tourism in Nigeria.