The Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Trade Union Side, has lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) for their commitment to the wellbeing of public servants through the ILERA EKO scheme.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to LASHMA headquarters in Lagos, the newly elected Chairman of the JNC, Comrade Michael Domingo, expressed satisfaction over the tangible improvements in healthcare access enjoyed by public servants under the scheme.

He noted that the Union had been inundated with positive testimonials from enrollees, affirming the life-changing impact of ILERA EKO.

“We are overwhelmed with various testimonials from Public Servants on the benefits enjoyed under ILERA EKO. The Agency has truly embraced a customer-centric approach, and it shows in its service delivery,” Domingo stated.

While acknowledging the longstanding rapport between the Union and the Agency, Domingo called for a more robust partnership under his leadership to enhance the quality of healthcare for the state’s workforce.

He urged public servants to continue accessing care through ILERA EKO and champion its benefits within and beyond the service.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, commended the JNC for its unwavering support of the Agency’s mandate and decorated the new Union executives as official ILERA EKO Champions.

“There is no gainsaying in the fact that the Union has played a significant role in ensuring that Public Servants have a better knowledge of the Health Insurance Plan, its benefits, and access to care through their chosen providers. JNC has been the foundation of our relationship with the Public Servants in the State,” Zamba said.

Reassuring the Union of continued collaboration, Dr. Zamba disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved an expanded benefits package under ILERA EKO to meet the evolving healthcare needs of workers.

According to her, “The additional benefits include cataract surgery, MRI and CT scan, cancer treatment up to N5 million, removal of fibroid, renal dialysis of up to 52 sessions in a year, and up to 90 days of hospital admission in case of prolonged illness.”

She added that other interventions now covered under the plan are orthopaedic surgery for fractures up to N1 million, burn treatment up to N1 million, and provision of prosthetics up to N250,000. Retirees under the Lagos State Government also enjoy a one-year free health insurance plan, courtesy of Mr. Governor.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised the importance of public servants understanding their rights and responsibilities under the scheme for optimal service delivery.

She further assured that LASHMA would organise a special orientation for the new JNC executives to familiarise them with the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) Law of 2015, the 2024 Executive Order, and LASHMA’s operational framework.

In the event of any challenge at point of care, Zamba advised enrollees to immediately contact LASHMA through the toll-free lines: 0800-ILERAEKO (0800-45372356) or 0800-ASKLASHMA (0800-275527462), as well as the alternative lines 09169185920 or 07040277029. WhatsApp messages can also be sent to 07045358275 or 07046160051.  

Vice Chairman of JNC, Comrade Abiodun Aladetan, also gave a glowing review of the scheme, stating that, “ILERA EKO has significantly reduced out-of-pocket medical expenses for enrollees, especially public servants. It’s a bold step in the right direction.”

He urged any affected public servant to report unresolved issues to the Union for quick intervention.

Other JNC executive members who attended the visit include Comrades Abiodun Bakare (Secretary), Tajudeen Gbadamosi (Treasurer), and Kabiawu Gbolahan (Ex-officio), all of whom pledged their support to deepen the reach and impact of ILERA EKO across the state’s public service.