LASHMA, Partners Review Drug Access Scheme for Better Patient Care
LASHMA, Partners Review Drug Access Scheme for Better Patient Care
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to improve healthcare delivery through a comprehensive review of its Drug Access Expansion (DAE) Programme aimed at ensuring easier access to quality medicines for enrollees of the ILERA EKO and EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) schemes.
Speaking at the DAE Programme Review Meeting held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and seamless for residents.
Dr. Zamba explained that the DAE Programme was introduced in April 2024 following recurring complaints from enrollees over the unavailability of prescribed drugs and incomplete dispensing of medications at healthcare facilities.
According to her, the programme was conceived as a strategic intervention to guarantee timely, uninterrupted, and comprehensive access to essential medicines under the ILERA EKO Health Insurance Scheme.
She disclosed that six months after implementation, LASHMA engaged an independent consultant to assess the programme through customer satisfaction surveys and direct feedback from enrollees in order to evaluate its impact and identify areas requiring improvement.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to continuous reforms, Dr. Zamba said Lagos State remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation and social health insurance implementation in Nigeria, adding that the DAE initiative could serve as a model for other states seeking to strengthen access to affordable healthcare.
She commended healthcare providers, community pharmacies, and partner facilities for their support and efficiency, describing them as critical stakeholders in the success of the programme because of their direct interaction with patients.
Dr. Zamba urged healthcare providers to deepen collaboration with the state government to ensure the sustainability of the health insurance scheme and advance the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Calling for active participation from community pharmacies during the review process, she stressed the need for practical solutions that would enhance operational efficiency and guarantee enrollees access to covered medications without stress or out-of-pocket expenses.
According to her, recommendations from stakeholders would help reshape the programme into a more customer-friendly and provider-friendly model.
Also speaking at the event, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Lagos Zonal Office, Pharm. Ibrahim Ahmed, represented by Pharm. Dr. Taiwo Filusi, praised LASHMA for improving access to quality healthcare services and medicines for Lagos residents.
Ahmed described the integration of community pharmacies into the ILERA EKO healthcare system as a major step that would improve convenience, accessibility, and efficiency in pharmaceutical service delivery.
He noted that the review meeting provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to assess progress, identify challenges, share lessons, and develop strategies for improved implementation and sustainability of the programme.
The Executive Secretary of the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, also commended LASHMA for sustaining efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery through collaboration with community pharmacies.
She stressed that partnerships among stakeholders remain essential to ensuring access to quality healthcare services and safe medications for residents of the state.
Similarly, the Regional Manager, Southwest, Society for Family Health (SFH), Mrs. Jennifer Ladokun, speaking on behalf of supporting partners, applauded the Lagos State Government for expanding affordable healthcare access through strategic partnerships.
She reaffirmed the commitment of SFH and the ACIOE Foundation to supporting Lagos State’s drive toward equitable healthcare access and the achievement of Universal Health Coverage.