L- R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba with the Possu and Osewekan Bana 1 of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko, presenting the Policy Number to a beneficiary during the flag-off of EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Community Storm, held at Posukoh, Badagry
By Admin
In a renewed push to achieve universal health coverage, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), in partnership with Health District V and the DIDE Foundation, has taken its EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Community Storm to Badagry Division, bringing free health insurance registration and essential healthcare services directly to vulnerable residents.
The two-day outreach, which commenced at Posukoh Ward, combines enrolment into the state's ILERA EKO health insurance scheme with a range of preventive and curative health interventions, including childhood immunisation, tuberculosis screening, eye examinations, dental care and routine health checks.
Speaking during the flag-off, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the initiative as another step towards ensuring that every Lagos resident, regardless of financial status or location, can obtain healthcare without suffering financial hardship.
She told residents that ILERA EKO, the state's social health insurance programme, is now mandatory for all Lagos residents, saying the government remains committed to making the scheme accessible, particularly for those who are unable to pay.
Zamba said vulnerable beneficiaries enrolled during the EKOSHA Community Storm will receive one year of free health insurance through the state's Equity Fund.
She explained that the benefit package is comprehensive, covering outpatient consultations, treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, management of chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes, maternal healthcare services ranging from antenatal care to normal delivery and caesarean section, emergency care, childhood illnesses, surgeries and access to essential medicines.
Zamba said the programme has continued to receive strong backing from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has committed one per cent of the state's Consolidated Revenue Fund to finance healthcare for vulnerable residents through the Equity Fund.
She noted that the Governor recently increased the fund from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion, a move she described as a significant investment in protecting poor and vulnerable households from catastrophic healthcare expenses.
While urging newly enrolled beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, she cautioned against self-medication, encouraging residents to seek prompt medical attention whenever they fall ill.
She also advised enrollees experiencing challenges while accessing services at hospitals or community pharmacies to report such cases through LASHMA's 24-hour customer support channels. The outreach is not limited to health insurance registration alone.
The Permanent Secretary, Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Ashiyanbi, said residents attending the community storm would also receive free medical screenings and preventive healthcare services aimed at detecting illnesses before they become life-threatening.
He encouraged community members to take advantage of the exercise, undergo health screening and adhere to prescribed medications, stressing that prevention remains one of the most effective ways to reduce disease burden.
Recognising that geography often presents another barrier to healthcare, especially in Badagry's riverine settlements, local authorities announced additional measures to improve access to medical facilities.
Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, disclosed that a boat had been donated to residents of the Ojogun riverine community to ease transportation to their chosen healthcare facilities.
He added that two additional boats would soon be provided to strengthen access to health services across the waterways. Traditional institutions also threw their weight behind the initiative.
The Possu of Badagry Kingdom and Osewekan Bana I of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko, commended the Lagos State Government for choosing Badagry as the starting point of the community storm.
He observed that rising healthcare costs have made it increasingly difficult for many residents to seek medical treatment, noting that free health insurance for vulnerable people would significantly improve health outcomes within the communities.
Drawing from personal experience, the traditional ruler said he had benefited from ILERA EKO and described the programme as genuine and impactful. He urged beneficiaries to make full use of the opportunity by seeking healthcare whenever necessary.
Chairman of the Community Development Association in Posukoh, Elder Hungbo Mayomi, said the one-year free health insurance would bring relief to many households that previously struggled to pay for medical care. He urged residents to prioritise their health by enrolling in the scheme and making use of the services available to them.
The EKOSHA Community Storm has already reached six of the 10 wards in Badagry Division, including the riverine community of Ojogun in Olorunda LCDA. Communities covered so far include Jegba Quarters, Posukoh, Ajara Topa, Ajido, Ikoga and Togo Idale, while enrolment is expected to continue across the remaining wards.
Beyond healthcare, the outreach also incorporated educational support, with the DIDE Foundation distributing free WAEC examination forms to secondary school students in the participating communities.
The Badagry campaign reflects Lagos State's broader strategy of taking healthcare beyond hospitals and into communities where financial constraints, distance and limited awareness continue to prevent many residents from accessing essential services.
For the thousands expected to benefit from the exercise, the programme represents more than free health insurance. It offers protection against the financial shock of illness and brings the state one step closer to its goal of universal health coverage, where access to quality healthcare is determined by need rather than the ability to pay.
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