LASHMA inaugurates ‘Ilera Eko’ office in Epe to enable residents access prompt, cost effective health insurance plan
As part of efforts to boost access to effective, prompt, affordable, and quality healthcare services, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has urged residents of Epe and its environs to enroll in the Health Insurance plan.
General Manager, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, at the inauguration of another ‘Ilera Eko’ office, last week, in Epe, thus making it the third of such offices to be commissioned in the past one month, said the edifice is envisioned to ensure that residents within the Epe division of the state have access to effective, quality and affordable health care services.
Ilera Eko was inaugurated in February 2021 by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, to achieve universal health coverage for Lagos residents and seek media support for ‘Ilera Eko’ campaign to integrate all forms of communication in achieving its mandate.
Ilera Eko is a call to action for all residents to prioritise their health and buy into the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS). It connotes the well-being and health of all residents of Lagos State. Recall that LASHMA had earlier established similar offices at Ikorodu and Ikeja divisions respectively.
Outlining the packages available in the scheme, the Commissioner said an individual is required to pay N8,500 per annum, while a family of six, comprising father, mother, and four children of less than 18 years, is to pay N40,000 per annum. He also disclosed that N6,000 will be paid as additional amount for children below 18 years and N8,500 for additional children above 18 years.
The fee is very affordable. It covers registration and consultation, child sickness, chronic disease, emergency care, care of women and newborn babies, admission for at least 15 days, and drugs among others.
A total of 714 facilities have been registered for the scheme with 142 private and 72 public facilities across the State.
Zamba, in a press statement, signed by the Public Affairs Officer, Adeyinka Gbemibade, said that this would enable residents in Epe to access prompt and cost-effective healthcare, stressing that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is concerned about the well being of Lagosians.
Represented by the Head of Business Development and Marketing, LASHMA, Mr. Olatunji Rotimi, Zamba listed the benefits of ILERA EKO Health plan to include outpatient care for common ailments and conditions such as malaria, management of uncomplicated chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma.
Other benefits, the General Manager said, include the treatment of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and tuberculosis, minor surgeries such as incision drainage, herniorrhaphy, appendectomy, pharmaceutical care, health promotion, and diseases prevention.
In her words, “the yearly payment of N40, 000 covers a family of six – father, a mother with four children below 18 years – and this premium, automatically grants them access to a full year uninterrupted healthcare in any hospital of their choice. An individual according to her, can also enjoy the same benefits with N8, 500 yearly, at any hospital of his or her choice, under ILERA EKO health plan.”
She, however, noted that children that are 18 years and above would have to register under the individual plan.
Zamba also disclosed that the Health insurance plan has made provision for a quarterly installment policy for unions, groups, and associations, scheduled to take off by the 4th quarter of the year.
According to her; “the benefits for all subscribers are enormous, they would upon enrolment have access to quality treatment for medical challenges without devoid of financial constraints.”
She enjoined everyone to ensure that their preferred healthcare facility should remain close to their domain. She highlighted the benefits be ease and prompt access to health facilities, especially during emergency cases.
General Manager also revealed that “ILERA EKO ‘’ enrollee, can also call or consult a Medical Doctor via audio or video calls to the toll-free line 0700ILERAEKO or 0800EKOMED from the comfort of their homes.
“LASHMA has registration points and enrollment officers in various Local Governments (LGs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state. You can walk in freely to register or for your convenience, you can visit LASHMA website –lashma.com or www.lashma.lagosstate.gov.ng.”
In his remark, LASHMA Board representative, Dr. Eniola Erinosho, commended the efforts of the Agency, saying it is a testimony to its commitment to the realisation of the current administration’s Greater Lagos agenda.
The Olu of Epe kingdom, HRM Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, represented by High Chief Odede Ogunro, thanked the Agency for extending the Health insurance plan to Epe.
Similarly, the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, represented by High Chief Adebayo Adekore, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his determination and commitment towards the provision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the state, noting that the Health insurance plan will provide opportunities for residents to be conscious of their health.
The Chief Imam, Epe Central Mosque, Alhaji Sahadalau Abiola Aliu, in his response, appreciate the Sanwo-Olu administration for making the well-being of the people a topmost priority.
The event also had in attendance the Chairman, Epe Local Government, Princess Sarah Oluyemi Animashaun, Council-Manager, Mr. Segun Bankole, Medical Director of Health (MOH), Epe Local Government Area, Dr. Aiyeola Nurain, Provost, Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Dr. Nosiru Onibon, represented by the Deputy Provost, Dr. Morufudeen Shittu, Epe Local Government Legislative House Leader, Hon Kareem Pitan and Iyaloja of Epe, Alhaja Abeni Lejonwe, among others.
