LASHMA, Health District V, DIDE Foundation Launch EKOSHA Community Storm in Badagry, Enrol Vulnerable Residents on Free Health Insurance
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), in collaboration with Health District V and the DIDE Foundation, has commenced a two-day EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Community Storm in the Badagry Division as part of efforts to expand access to quality and equitable healthcare for vulnerable residents across Lagos State.
Flagging off the initiative at Posukoh Ward in Badagry, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, reaffirmed that the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme, popularly known as ILERA EKO, is now mandatory for all residents of the state, regardless of their socio-economic status.
She explained that the initiative is designed to take health insurance directly to underserved communities by enrolling vulnerable residents free of charge for one year through the State’s Equity Fund.
According to Dr. Zamba, ILERA EKO provides beneficiaries with comprehensive healthcare services, including registration, medical consultations, treatment of common illnesses such as malaria and cough, management of chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes, maternal healthcare services such as normal delivery and caesarean section, treatment of childhood illnesses, emergency care, surgeries and pharmaceutical services.
L -R: The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba paying a courtesy visit on the Possu and Osewekan Bana 1 of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko, in his palace during the flag-off of EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Community Storm, held at Posukoh, Badagry
She commended the Possu of Badagry Kingdom and Osewekan Bana I of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko, for supporting the commencement of the programme in Posukoh Ward, describing the traditional ruler’s partnership as instrumental to the success of the community outreach.
Dr. Zamba disclosed that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has dedicated one per cent of the State’s Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) as an Equity Fund to finance the enrolment of vulnerable residents into the ILERA EKO scheme.
She further applauded the Governor for increasing the Equity Fund from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion, a move she said demonstrates the administration’s unwavering commitment to universal health coverage and improved healthcare access for all Lagos residents.
The Permanent Secretary urged newly enrolled beneficiaries to make use of healthcare facilities whenever they fall ill instead of resorting to self-medication.
She also encouraged enrollees experiencing challenges at hospitals or community pharmacies to contact LASHMA through its 24-hour customer service channels, including the toll-free lines 0800-ILERA EKO (0800-45372-356) and 0800-ASKLASHMA (0800-275-527-462). Additional support is available through 0916-918-5920, 0916-977-1641, while WhatsApp enquiries can be sent to 0704-535-8275 and 0704-616-0051.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Ashiyanbi, said the EKOSHA Community Storm offers residents a comprehensive package of healthcare services, including childhood immunisation, vital signs checks, free health insurance enrolment, eye screening, tuberculosis screening and dental care.
He urged residents to take advantage of the opportunity by participating in the screenings and adhering to prescribed medications, stressing that good health remains the foundation of individual and community development.
The Executive Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, praised the Lagos State Government for extending quality healthcare interventions to riverine communities that often face challenges accessing medical services.
He disclosed that a boat had been donated to residents of the Ojogun riverine community to facilitate transportation across the waterways to their chosen healthcare facilities and promised that two additional boats would be provided to further improve healthcare access.
In his remarks, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko lauded the Lagos State Government for choosing Badagry Kingdom as the starting point for the EKOSHA Community Storm.
He described the programme as a timely intervention that would reduce the financial burden of healthcare on vulnerable families.
“This is a commendable initiative by the Lagos State Government. Hospital treatment is expensive for many people, and with free health insurance for the vulnerable, there is no doubt that the health and well-being of our people will improve,” he said.
Chief Iroko further affirmed that ILERA EKO is effective and credible, noting that he had personally benefited from the scheme. He encouraged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity provided by the State Government.
The Chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA), Posukoh, Elder Hungbo Mayomi, also commended LASHMA for extending one-year free health insurance coverage to residents of the community and urged beneficiaries to prioritise their health by making full use of the services available under the scheme.
As part of the ongoing outreach, EKOSHA has successfully enrolled vulnerable residents in six of the ten wards in Badagry Division, including the riverine community of Ojogun in Olorunda LCDA. The communities covered so far include Jegba Quarters, Posukoh, Ajara Topa, Ajido, Ikoga and Togo Idale, while enrolment in the remaining wards will continue in the coming days.
In addition to healthcare services, the DIDE Foundation distributed free WAEC examination forms to secondary school students in the participating communities, underscoring the programme’s commitment to supporting both health and educational development among vulnerable populations.
The EKOSHA Community Storm represents another milestone in the Lagos State Government’s drive toward achieving universal health coverage by ensuring that no resident, particularly the vulnerable, is denied access to quality healthcare because of financial constraints.