The Lagos State government is targeting more people to join its health insurance scheme to achieve the goals of universal health coverage.

Emmanuella Zambia, the permanent secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), said this at a news briefing on Thursday in Ikeja ahead of this year’s Universal Health Coverage Day.

Ms Zamba said the domestication of the National Health Insurance Act in Lagos State made it mandatory for public servants and private residents to enrol in the health insurance scheme to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

She also urged enrollees to always report challenges encountered with the health insurance scheme through toll-free lines to ensure improved services.

This year’s Universal Health Coverage Day theme is ”Health: It’s on the Government.”

The theme underscores the vital role of government leadership in ensuring that healthcare is accessible, affordable and equitable for all.

”It also provides the opportunity for us to showcase the government’s immense contributions to healthcare using the ILERA EKO Way.

“The Universal Health Coverage is not just a global ideal; it is a fundamental human right that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.

“Lagos State has made tremendous strides toward Universal Health Coverage, and our journey has been driven by the ILERA EKO scheme, which embodies the government’s commitment to health equity,” she said

Ms Zamba said that since the enactment of the Lagos State Health Scheme Law in 2015, LASHMA has worked tirelessly to ensure that residents are protected from high health expenditures and have access to quality care when needed.

“Investing in health is not just about improving lives; it is about strengthening the backbone of our societies and economies.

“A healthy population means a more productive workforce, stronger communities and greater national resilience.

“Universal health coverage is the key to achieving these outcomes, and it requires unwavering political will, strategic funding and inclusive policies that prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable,” Ms Zamba said.

(NAN)