Lagos Strengthens Universal Health Coverage Drive

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by expanding access to affordable, equitable, and quality healthcare services for residents, particularly vulnerable populations. The renewed push is aimed at increasing enrolment under the State’s Social Health Insurance Scheme in 2026, as part of broader efforts to protect residents from catastrophic health spending.

This assurance was given by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, during a town hall meeting organised by the EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) in Ikorodu. The engagement, held at the Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area, brought together community members, healthcare providers, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss service delivery and enrolment under the Scheme.

Dr. Zamba described the EKOSHA town hall meetings as vital platforms for dialogue and collaboration, noting that they allow LASHMA to assess performance, identify emerging healthcare needs, and refine service delivery strategies. She explained that feedback from residents and providers has helped the Agency improve access to care while strengthening trust at the community level.

She further highlighted the landmark Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on July 16, 2024, which mandates social health insurance for every resident of Lagos State. According to her, the policy positions Lagos as the first state to domesticate the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2020, describing it as a transformative step toward financial risk protection for families.

The Permanent Secretary disclosed that expanded coverage for vulnerable residents has been driven by increased funding, including the Equity Fund raised from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion and made a first-line charge. She added that initiatives such as the EKOSHA Rural Health Scheme, which deploys mobile clinics to underserved communities, have further strengthened access to primary healthcare services across the State.