Key points
- Ojokoro LCDA has sponsored 1,000 residents into the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme.
- The initiative aims to improve access to affordable healthcare and reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- LASHMA commended the council for supporting the state’s universal health coverage programme.
- The agency plans to establish an enrollment desk within the LCDA to improve access to the scheme.
Main story
Mrs Oluyemisi Rosiji, Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has sponsored 1,000 residents into the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme as part of efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare in the community.
The enrolment exercise, organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), took place at the council secretariat on Monday.
Rosiji said the initiative reflected her administration’s commitment to improving residents’ welfare, stressing that quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone regardless of income.
She noted that beneficiaries enrolled in previous phases had already accessed consultations, medical treatment and laboratory services at accredited healthcare facilities without making out-of-pocket payments.
According to her, the programme demonstrates the council’s commitment to people-centred governance and preventive healthcare. She encouraged the newly enrolled beneficiaries to undergo regular medical check-ups and avoid self-medication.
Rosiji also assured residents that the council would continue strengthening primary healthcare centres across Ojokoro while sustaining partnerships aimed at improving healthcare delivery.
Vice Chairman and Supervisor for Health, Mr Tunde Oyekunle, commended the initiative and urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Miss Tayo Adetoro praised the council chairman for supporting the state’s drive towards universal health coverage, revealing that Rosiji had also sponsored 400 ad hoc staff into the insurance scheme.
Adetoro added that LASHMA planned to establish an enrolment desk within the LCDA and other strategic locations to make registration easier for residents.
Participants were also sensitised on available insurance packages, enrolment procedures, benefits and customer support channels during the interactive session.
Council Manager, Dr Idowu Banjoko, commended Rosiji’s leadership and thanked LASHMA and other stakeholders for supporting the successful implementation of the programme.
The event was attended by APC leaders, legislators, members of the executive cabinet, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community development representatives, market leaders, youth groups and women organisations.
The issues
Many Nigerians continue to face financial barriers to accessing healthcare, with out-of-pocket spending accounting for a significant share of health financing. Expanding health insurance coverage is a key strategy for improving access to healthcare and advancing universal health coverage.
What’s being said
“This programme demonstrates our resolve to deliver people-oriented governance. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.” — Oluyemisi Rosiji, Chairman, Ojokoro LCDA
What’s next
LASHMA plans to establish enrollment desks within Ojokoro LCDA and other strategic locations to make registration easier, while the council is expected to continue expanding access to health insurance and strengthening primary healthcare services.
Bottom line
The sponsorship of 1,000 residents into the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to expand healthcare access and support the state’s universal health coverage agenda.
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