The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has launched the Ilera Eko divisional office, at the Ikorodu General Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos in the drive to deepen health insurance access in the state.
The launch, which saw dignitaries, including traditional rulers, market women and political office holders amongst others, from the Ikorodu division in attendance, represents a move to expand access to health insurance services for the people at the grassroots.
Adetokunbo Alakija, LASHMA chairman, represented by Tunde Akintade, listed the benefits of the scheme to include outpatient care for common ailments and conditions such as malaria, as well as management of uncomplicated chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma.
According to him, other benefits include treatment of HIV and tuberculosis, minor surgeries such as incision drainage, herniorrhaphy, appendectomy, pharmaceutical care, health promotion and diseases prevention.
Whilst he explained that enrollees on the scheme are able to receive treatment at a registered hospital without payment as long as policy covers the scope of the scheme subscribed to, he also noted that enrollees also enjoy free consultation with the doctor, as well as free drug prescription and dosage, as there are different packages, which include family and individual plans.
He, however, stressed that adults who 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.”
Emmanuella Zamba, the general manager, LASHMA in her remark urged urged residents of Ikorodu to support the programme and take full advantage of the scheme that is open to all whilst also adding that a residents can register through any of the LASHMA designated enrolment points spread across the state or via LASHMA website 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.
