Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has announced that pensioners in the state will receive free health coverage for one year, starting from August 2024, under the Ilera Eko plan.
This initiative aims to ensure that retirees have access to healthcare services after their retirement.
The Governor made this declaration at the launch of the Ilera Eko Standard Jaara Health Insurance Plan and the commissioning of five virtual booths, which took place at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Victoria Island on Tuesday.
The governor said, “We have enrolled all public servants in the Ilera Eko scheme, with the government covering 75 per cent of their premiums. Starting in August 2024, all Lagos State pensioners will receive free one-year Ilera Eko coverage which will ensure their access to healthcare in retirement. We are doing all these to further our Universal Health Coverage goal.”
He also explained that the newly launched Ilera Eko Standard Jaara Health Insurance Plan offers additional benefits and peace of mind by reducing the financial burden of medical bills.
“In this plan, we have heavily subsidised the health insurance premium to ensure that everyone can access healthcare,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the informal sector, which makes up 70% of the state’s population, to register for the Ilera Eko health plan to avoid paying large out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Furthermore, he stated that the state has adopted the Health Scheme Law and the National Health Insurance Authority Act, and established an enforcement team to penalize those who fail to comply with the regulations.
“I invite the formal sector also, to come on board and ensure that their employees are registered and enrolled on ILERA EKO as this will automatically reduce the expenses of the companies, especially for the payment of medical bills.
“Let me add here that the Enforcement team to handle the implementation of the Lagos State Health Scheme, (LSHS) Law and the domestication of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, has been constituted and trained. Even though this administration believes more in enlightenment than enforcement, the law still needs to be implemented and obeyed. Therefore, violators of the law will not go unpunished when the Enforcement takes full effect,” Sanwo-Olu highlighted.
The governor was thrilled to see the virtual booths up and running, pointing out that they would make healthcare more accessible and convenient for the state’s residents, essentially bringing healthcare closer to their doorstep.
The governor highlighted, “During its first Health Insurance Summit, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos in 2023, the Lagos State Health Management Agency unveiled the Ilera Eko Virtual Booth. Today, I am delighted that five Virtual Booths, which will provide accessible healthcare to people in the informal sector are ready for commissioning.
“These booths are designed to bring healthcare closer to the people and expand the reach of LASHMA’s health insurance scheme; Ilera Eko, across the state. It is particularly useful for our hardworking market men and women who usually find it difficult to leave their shops and wares to take sometimes long trips to hospitals when they are sick. They will serve as first-line health services in the different informal business clusters around the state.
“I thank the Chairmen of the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas where these booths are situated and their Supervisors for Health, for their cooperation and support in ensuring the safe and proper installation of these VBOOTHS. I urge you to protect and maintain these facilities for the use of your community. I also call on other LGAs and LCDAs to support LASHMA by facilitating the installation of more of these VBOOTHS in their areas.
“To our market leaders, Iyalojas and Babalojas, I thank you for taking possession of this initiative by mobilising your communities to embrace the life-saving opportunity that these VBOOTHS provide.”
The governor cautioned against the dangers of self-medication, emphasizing its harmful effects on one’s health, and reassured the people of Lagos that he is dedicated to ensuring that healthcare services are readily available and affordable for all residents.
“When you take care of your body, your body will take care of you. Take good care of your health for your benefit and that of your family and ultimately for the good and prosperity of Lagos State,” Sanwo-Olu advised.
