The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recently introduced the Ilera Eko Standard Jaara Health Insurance Plan alongside the unveiling of five virtual health booths aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for residents.
The launch event took place at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Victoria Island and was attended by several notable figures including the Governor’s Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, and the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi.
During his speech, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the health outcomes of Lagos residents. He highlighted that public servants in the state are already benefiting from the Ilera Eko scheme, which includes a 75% health subsidy.
The virtual health booths, strategically positioned in markets and bus stops, were introduced to bring healthcare services closer to the populace, particularly those in the informal sector.
These booths will deliver primary healthcare services and telemedicine, ensuring that individuals such as market traders can access quality healthcare without having to leave their workplace.
The launch of the ILERA EKO Standard Jaara Health Insurance Plan brings additional benefits and aims to ease the financial burden associated with medical expenses.
Governor Sanwo-Olu encouraged both informal and formal sector workers to enroll in the scheme, stressing that the subsidized premiums make healthcare accessible to all.
“We are committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that no resident is left behind,” he stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu encouraged local authorities and market leaders to maintain the virtual health booths and urged other councils to install more.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to making healthcare accessible and affordable, emphasizing that prevention is better than cure.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on Health, explained that the insurance plan aims to bridge the healthcare access gap and expand benefits for residents.
Lagos State Health Management Agency Chairman, Adebayo Adedewe, highlighted the agency’s use of technology to enhance service delivery.
He mentioned initiatives like the Ilera Eko Pay-Small-Small plan, which aims to make health insurance more affordable and accessible to residents.
“Our success story today is based on feedback from our customers, especially from the informal sector,” he noted.
The new Ilera Eko Standard Jaara Health Insurance Plan provides additional benefits, including telemedicine services via virtual booths, which are situated in busy areas like markets and bus stops to ensure easy access to healthcare.
The plan aims to expand to at least 300 virtual booths across the state, and Adedewe encouraged all Lagos residents to enroll in the plan and utilize the virtual booths for their healthcare needs.
“Good health is the beginning of new life,” he said.
The Commissioner for Health honored the Governor and Deputy Governor of Lagos with the titles of Grand Ambassador of Universal Health Coverage and Ambassadors of the Ilera Eko Social Health Insurance Scheme, respectively, in recognition of their contributions to healthcare in the state.
