Ibeju-Lekki LG boss applauds Gov Sanwo-Olu on EKOSHA health insurance coverage for vulnerable

The Executive Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa and His Royal Majesty, the Gbadewolu of Araromi Kingdom, Oba Olayemi Lukman Arowolo, have applauded the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his commitment to ensuring that the vulnerable in the State through EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) have access to quality and equitable healthcare services free of charge.

The Chairman, in his remarks at the EKOSHA town hall meeting organised by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), at Ibeju-Lekki LGA, said that this kind gesture of Mr. Governor for the vulnerable residents has clearly demonstrated the determination of the State Government towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Hon. Olowa also appreciated the State Government and LASHMA for sustained investment in healthcare and health insurance coverage. He said, “If you go to Massey Children’s Hospital and Ojo, you will see the marvellous work that Mr. Governor is doing”. He added that the increase of the Equity Fund for vulnerable residents’ coverage from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion, is a bold step and people-centred intervention which is yielding tangible results at the grassroots.

The Chairman described Lagos State as a pace-setter in healthcare delivery and health insurance, noting that the resources committed to the health sector has reflected the government’s resolve to build a healthy and productive population.

Hon. Olowa disclosed that recently Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, through EKOSHA, distributed health insurance coverage to 500 vulnerable residents in the area, enabling them to access quality healthcare services at no additional cost. He added that previous enrolment exercises in the area have translated into real benefits, including free childbirth services for the beneficiaries.

Expressing confidence in the leadership of the Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, the Chairman, said that her commitment and capabilities are evident in the growing impact of the Scheme. Hon. Olowa, therefore, promised that his Local Government would continue to see that Primary Health Centres (PHC) are equipped, provide quality services to the vulnerable and premium-paying ILERA EKO Enrollees.

Also speaking, the Gbadewolu of Araromi Kingdom, Oba Olayemi Lukman Arowolo, commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his leadership and commitment towards improving healthcare delivery in the State.

The Monarch described the health insurance initiative as laudable and impactful, urging LASHMA to deepen collaboration with traditional institutions by actively involving the Royal Majesty and community leaders in awareness and sensitisation campaigns in order to boost acceptance and enrolment of the residents on the Scheme.

The Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, while responding to feedback from the vulnerable enrollees on hospital visits and utilisation, urged them not to hesitate to call LASHMA toll-free Customer Service numbers – 0800-45372-356 or 0800-275527462 if there is any challenge at the hospitals, or whenever they are deprived or asked to pay for covered services.

While praising the hospitals that the enrollees identified as providing good and quality services, she warned those identified as not customer-friendly to desist from such acts, adding that anyone found culpable again will be adequately sanctioned.

Dr. Zamba reminded providers that the EKOSHA Town Hall initiative was designed to take health insurance conversations to the grassroots, enabling residents to better understand the Scheme, ask questions and provide feedback that would help improve service delivery.

In his remarks, the Medical Director, Oceanside Hospital, Dr. Lawal Adeyinka, thanked the Permanent Secretary for organising the forum. He appealed to all the providers to cooperate and support LASHMA, so that the Agency can realise its mandate.

The Medical Director advised enrollees to take advantage of EKOSHA, utilise accredited hospitals rather than resorting to self-medication, stressing that an early visit to the hospital will aid quick diagnosis, detection and treatment outcomes.

Mr. and Mrs James Adebisi recounted how their twins were successfully delivered at Oceanside Hospital under EKOSHA, noting that the support significantly eased their family’s financial burden. Similarly, Mrs. Onabanji Titilayo also shared her positive childbirth experience under the Scheme, describing it as unbelievable, as she did not pay any money after delivery.

Other traditional and community leaders at the event included the Baale Idaado, Chief Fatai Ogungbo, ll; Oloritun Ajagannabe, Epe, Chief Salabiu Olorunnisola; Baale Adeba Land, Chief Musa AbdulLateef; Aro Oba Orimedun, Chief Lamidi Babatunde; Oloritun Etungbe, Epe, Chief Shafau Seriki; APC Party Leader, Ibeju-Lekki, Alhaji Apena Saheed; Iyaloja, Papa, Epe, Alhaja Olamiji Muritala; CDC Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Hon. Jabitha Adeboye and the Providers.