LASHMA Leads Awareness Walk, Mandates Ilera-Eko for Universal Health Coverage

In a massive drive to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) led a large-scale Awareness Walk around the State Government Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, to commemorate the 2025 UHC Day. The walk was conducted under the bold banner: "Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!," aiming to enlighten commuters and workers about the mandatory Ilera-Eko Social Health Insurance Scheme.

The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, who led the spirited procession, stressed that the global commemoration serves as a critical reminder that healthcare must be treated as a fundamental human right and not a luxury reserved for a privileged few. She strongly urged all Lagos residents to immediately enroll in the now-mandatory Ilera-Eko scheme, describing it as the state’s most effective tool to protect families from crippling and catastrophic medical expenses.

​Dr. Zamba explained that the scheme’s mandatory status, enforced by an Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscores the government's unwavering determination to eliminate the financial hardship often associated with accessing medical care. She detailed that Ilera-Eko covers up to 80 per cent of an average resident’s healthcare needs, spanning primary to tertiary services, at an affordable rate that guarantees long-term financial protection.

​The LASHMA leadership’s core message was that setting aside a "small, manageable contribution" through the scheme allows families to focus on quality life goals such as sending children to school or owning a home—without the constant fear of a health-related financial catastrophe. They reiterated that the agency's primary mission is to ensure that every family in Lagos can access necessary care without being pushed into poverty due to debilitating hospital bills.

In addition, LASHMA's Coordinator of Regulations, Mr. Tosin Awosika, affirmed that the agency is intensifying efforts to ensure compliance with the mandatory insurance directive. He explained that the regulatory arm is actively working with healthcare facilities, partners, and communities to aggressively expand coverage and accelerate the swift uptake of Ilera-Eko across all parts of the state, ensuring no one is left behind in the drive towards a healthier Lagos.