LSTMB, LASHMA Move to Make Health Insurance Mandatory for Practitioners

The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) has intensified collaboration with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) to boost enrollment under the Ilèra Eko Health Insurance Scheme as part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage in the state.

During a follow-up visit by LASHMA’s enforcement team, the Acting Registrar of LSTMB, Mr. Hakeem Bello, reaffirmed the Board’s readiness to ensure full compliance among staff and practitioners. He revealed that staff members yet to enroll had been registered and were awaiting confirmation from LASHMA.

Bello stated that the Board would integrate health insurance advocacy into its sensitisation programmes and extend awareness efforts to traditional medicine practitioners across the state. He described health insurance as essential to improving access to affordable and quality healthcare services.

The LASHMA team lead, Mr. Lucas Raheem, commended the proactive approach of the Board, noting that achieving universal coverage requires institutional commitment and enforcement mechanisms that ensure widespread participation.

As part of the next phase, LASHMA has proposed making a valid health insurance policy number a mandatory requirement for practitioner registration and renewal of licenses — a step expected to significantly accelerate coverage across the sector.