Source:  Chioma Obinna

In a decisive move to fast-track access to quality healthcare for all residents, the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), convened over 800 healthcare providers at the 2025 edition of the ILERA EKO Annual Provider Forum. Themed “Driving Universal Health Coverage through Strategic Partnerships,” the high-level event underscored Lagos’ leadership in health sector reforms and social protection.

Held in Lagos, the forum served as a platform to review progress, unveil critical innovations, and deepen collaboration between government and private stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem.

Strategic Reforms to Strengthen Health Insurance

Delivering the keynote address, Chairman of the LASHMA Board, Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, lauded healthcare providers as the backbone of the ILERA EKO scheme. He highlighted recent reforms introduced to enhance service delivery and sustainability, including:

• Performance-based provider categorisation
• Provision of essential drugs
• A revised tariff structure to ease economic burdens on care providers
• Expansion to community pharmacies, broadening access and continuity of care

“These reforms are part of our commitment to improving patient outcomes and ensuring the financial viability of healthcare delivery in Lagos,” said Dr. Adedewe.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Commitment to Equity

Dr. Adedewe also acknowledged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unprecedented commitment to health equity. He revealed that the state’s equity fund for indigent residents was tripled—from ₦1 billion in 2024 to ₦3 billion in 2025. “This makes Lagos the only state in Nigeria that treats the equity fund as a first-line charge, reflecting true political will,” he added.

Mandatory Health Insurance Policy Coming in 2026

Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, disclosed that enforcement of mandatory health insurance in Lagos will begin in early 2026, following an Executive Order signed in July 2024.

“We are focused on ensuring that residents are fully sensitized and onboarded before enforcement begins. The goal is financial protection for every household,” she said.

Zamba also announced the transition of claims and service authorizations to an in-house team, which has resulted in faster turnaround times and better oversight. In partnership with LASRRA, LASHMA has rolled out biometric verification systems, allowing real-time identity confirmation at the point of care—a major step in eliminating fraud and enhancing service delivery.

Sector Leaders Applaud Innovation, Demand More Incentives

Healthcare leaders at the forum hailed LASHMA’s progress and called for sustained innovation:

• Mrs. Biola Paul-Ozieh, Chair of the Healthcare Providers’ Association of Nigeria, commended LASHMA’s reforms but urged continuous tariff reviews and provider incentives.
• Mrs. Njide Ndili, President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, praised Lagos for becoming the first globally to tie financial rewards to the SafeCare quality framework. “When citizens trust the system, they’re more willing to prepay, and that’s key to sustainability,” she noted.

A Milestone Moment for Healthcare in Lagos

The event concluded with the unveiling of the new ILERA EKO Provider Signage and awards of excellence presented to facilities excelling in service, clinical standards, compliance, and enrolment growth.