LASHMA Seeks Media Support to Boost ILERA EKO Enrolment in Lagos
Funmi Ogundare and Ayodeji Ake The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has urged journalists to take the lead in educating residents on the benefits of mandatory health insurance, saying
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has appealed to journalists to assist in promoting the Mandatory Social Health Insurance Programme, known as ILERA EKO, in Lagos. Speaking at a two-day training for journalists on the scheme, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, the agency's Permanent Secretary, emphasized the critical role the media plays in building public confidence and ensuring the scheme's success.
Zamba explained that policies alone are insufficient for achieving universal health coverage; understanding, cooperation, and participation are equally important. She noted that the training aimed to enhance journalists' comprehension of the health insurance programme and equip them with the necessary skills for responsible reporting.
Zamba highlighted that the state government introduced ILERA EKO to ensure all residents, regardless of socio-economic status, have access to affordable and quality healthcare. The scheme mandates all Lagos residents to enroll, with the government covering 75% of the annual premium, while workers contribute the remaining 25%. Despite these efforts, a significant portion of residents remains uninsured, prompting the agency to rely on journalists to deepen public understanding of the scheme.
The scheme covers various healthcare services, including consultations, specialist care, dental and eye care, surgeries, treatment of common illnesses, management of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, emergency services, childhood healthcare, medical tests, and prescribed drugs.
Written by urgent.news from This Day's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
