Lagos takes HEALTH INSURANCE to grassroots

To deepen access to health insurance, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has launched the Ilera Eko divisional office, at the Ikorodu General Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos. Efforts are afoot to open more offices in other divisions of Lagos, LASHMA said.

This, according to the agency, is to expand access to health insurance services for the people at the grassroots, since it is not possible for every Lagosian to reach the LASHMA headquarters in Ikeja. The Ilera Eko divisional office was launched with fanfare, with traditional rulers, market women and political office holders from Ikorodu division in attendance.

During the launch, the LASHMA  Chairman, Dr. Adetokunbo Alakija, represented by Dr. Tunde Akintade, listed the benefits of the scheme to include outpatient care for common ailments and conditions such as malaria, management of uncomplicated chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma.

Other benefits, the chairman said, include treatment of HIV and tuberculosis, minor surgeries such as incision drainage, herniorrhaphy, appendectomy, pharmaceutical care, health promotion and diseases prevention.

He added that enrollees on the scheme are able to receive treatment at a registered hospital without payment as long as it covers the scope of the scheme subscribed to.

Alakija further stressed that enrollees also enjoy free consultation with the doctor as well as free drug prescription and dosage, saying there are different packages, which include family and individual plans. He, however, noted that children that are 18 years and above would have to register under the individual plan. “The annual payment of N40,000 covers a family of six – father, mother and four children below 18 years, which automatically grants them access to a full year of uninterrupted access to hospitals registered to the family. An individual can also enjoy the same benefits with N8,500 annually, at any hospital of their choice under the State Health Scheme.”

In her remarks, the General Manager, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, urged residents of Ikorodu to support the programme and take full advantage of the scheme that is open to all. She said that a resident can register through any of the LASHMA designated enrolment points spread across the state or via LASHMA website – www.lashma.com or www.lashma.lagosstate.gov.ng, having paid the premium in any of the designated banks.

“Our amiable Governor has shown true commitment to the well-being of the citizenry.  Therefore, I urge residents of Ikorodu to make good use of the opportunity to embrace the scheme and enjoy quality healthcare treatments in their vicinity,” she noted.

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