Lagos residents urged to embrace mandatory health insurance scheme
…. as Ilera Eko health scheme offers comprehensive coverage for N15,000 per year
By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State residents have been urged to take full advantage of the Ilera Eko Health and Social Insurance Scheme, a state-driven initiative designed to offer affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage for individuals and families.
This call was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba at the 2025 first-quarter media briefing held at Alausa, Lagos, on Wednesday.
In her address, Dr. Zamba emphasized the pivotal role of the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, which was made mandatory for all Lagos residents through an executive order by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in July 2024.
“Ilera Eko is the most affordable and qualitative healthcare plan available to residents, the minimal annual cost of N15,000 for an individual.
“This plan covers general outpatient treatments, including treatment for common ailments such as cough, fever, and malaria, as well as more serious health conditions like hypertension and diabetes,” Zamba stated.
She further elaborated on the scheme’s expansive coverage, which not only addresses routine healthcare needs but also provides access to critical treatments such as cancer care, dialysis, and minor surgeries like appendectomy and cataract operations.
According to Dr. Zamba, beneficiaries can access medical services such as chest X-rays, blood tests, dental care, and eye treatments, all at no additional cost.
“The benefits are immeasurable, and it is made possible because the state government has heavily subsidized the scheme,” she noted.
The Permanent Secretary also unveiled some of the agency’s key milestones in the first quarter of 2025, including the establishment of the Ilera Eko Cooperative for artisans and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
The cooperative allows members to contribute a minimal monthly fee between N500 and N12,000, enabling them to access healthcare and purchase food directly from farmers at discounted rates.
Also, Zamba said the introduction of the Ilera Eko Academy, which trains healthcare providers, and the launch of quarterly media parley sessions to enhance public awareness of the scheme.
“Telemedicine is also part of the services provided under the scheme, ensuring that residents can access healthcare advice remotely,” she said.
LASHMA’s efforts to improve healthcare access for Lagos residents have already been met with positive feedback from subscribers, with many praising the agency for its proactivity and efficiency in managing the health insurance scheme.
For the health-conscious and economically-minded residents of Lagos, the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme stands as a critical pathway to affordable, high-quality healthcare.
Dr. Zamba added by reiterating the state’s strong commitment to ensuring that every resident, regardless of their economic status, benefits from the program.
