By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) on Friday led a large-scale Awareness Walk around the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, to mark the 2025 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, carrying a bold message: “Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!” The vibrant procession, featuring a music band, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders, reached commuters, workers, and community members while distributing flyers and stickers promoting the mandatory Ilera-Eko Social Health Insurance Scheme.
Leading the walk, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described UHC Day as a reminder that healthcare is a fundamental human right. She encouraged all Lagos residents to enrol in the now-compulsory Ilera-Eko scheme, calling it the state’s strongest tool to protect families from catastrophic medical expenses.
“Ilera-Eko is here for you,” Dr. Zamba said, explaining that the scheme covers up to 80 percent of healthcare needs—from primary to tertiary care—at an affordable rate that ensures long-term financial protection. She urged residents to make small, manageable contributions to safeguard their families, pursue quality living, and avoid health-related financial hardships.
Mrs. Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro, Head of Planning, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at LASHMA, noted that UHC Day is a global call to prevent financial ruin from medical care. She described Ilera-Eko as the “engine” driving Lagos toward universal access to quality healthcare and emphasised that achieving UHC requires collaboration among government, healthcare providers, and residents.
LASHMA’s Coordinator of Regulations, Mr. Tosin Awosika, highlighted the agency’s intensified efforts to enforce compliance with the mandatory insurance directive. He stressed that public engagement remains key to increasing enrolment and ensuring residents understand the benefits of health insurance.
The Awareness Walk concluded with continued interaction with commuters, business owners, and residents across Alausa, reaffirming LASHMA’s commitment to making healthcare accessible and affordable for all Lagosians.
