The Lagos State Governor, Babjide Sanwo-Olu, has advised Lagosians to embrace health insurance.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said enrolling in the state’s health insurance scheme would help in achieving Universal Health Coverage.
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The Health Economist and Technical Assistant to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olamide Okulaja represented the Governor.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Lagos State Health Scheme, Sanwo-Olu revealed why the scheme is mandatory. He said that this would enable all residents to have access to quality health care services.
His words: “All employers are expected to register with LASHMA to obtain a Corporate Identity Number.
“This in order to buy health plans for their employees from the Health Maintenance Organisations of their choice.
“The present administration is working hard to improve the quality of services provided in public facilities by embarking on Public-Private Partnerships for the management and maintenance of various Primary Healthcare facilities across the state.”
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The Board Chairman, LASHMA, Dr Adetokunbo Alakija, spoke on the significance of the event.
He said that the need for information on the health scheme and the agency’s regulatory functions became mandatory, hence the event.
He also said that the necessary guidelines and procedures for seamless registration for companies had been put in place. Alakija further explained that licensing of participating HMOs had been put in place. This is to ensure the sustainability of the scheme for Lagos residents.
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The General Manager of LASHMA, Emmanuella Zamba, vowed to support the agenda. He said they would collaborate with various stakeholders, especially Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. According to him, this would attract residents to key into the scheme.
Zamba said the agency would continue to sensitize residents about health insurance. She described it as functional, affordable, working, simple and accessible for enrolment.
Source: PUNCH Healthwise