LASHMA Urges MDAs to Deepen Mandatory Health Insurance Implementation

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has called on ILERA EKO Focal Persons across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to intensify efforts toward strengthening health insurance coverage under the mandatory Social Health Insurance Scheme.

The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, made the call during a three-day engagement meeting held at the agency’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja. She stressed that with the enforcement of the Executive Order mandating social health insurance, focal persons play a central role in awareness creation, issue resolution, and seamless scheme implementation.

Dr. Zamba explained that while policies and institutional frameworks are essential, the success of the Lagos State Health Scheme depends largely on coordination, accurate information dissemination, and sustained engagement within MDAs. She described focal persons as the crucial link between the agency and public sector enrollees.

Highlighting recent innovations, she noted that LASHMA has expanded provider networks, introduced additional benefits for public servants, launched a 24/7 telemedicine service, improved drug access through accredited pharmacies, and introduced LASHMA Assistance-In-Distress (LASHMA-AID) for emergency medical response. She also referenced the Trans-Border Healthcare Initiative benefiting public servants residing in Ogun border communities.

The agency recognised 20 focal persons across various MDAs with certificates and cash rewards for outstanding performance. Officials urged participants to remain proactive and committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage in Lagos State.