The Lagos State Health Management Agency is set to introduce policy changes to protect the long-term sustainability of the state’s social health insurance programme. Ilera Eko now has over 1.5 million enrollees.
But the agency has noticed a troubling pattern.
Speaking at a media parley on Tuesday, LASHMA Permanent Secretary Dr. Emmanuella Zamba said some residents only sign up months before they need expensive medical care. After treatment, they leave the scheme and only return when they need another costly intervention.
“This attitude is not healthy for the sustainability of the Lagos State Health Scheme,” Zamba said.
The new policies take effect August 1. Zamba said they aim to strengthen the insurance pool, discourage opportunistic enrollment and protect vulnerable residents who genuinely cannot afford premiums.
“Ilera Eko is now mandatory for all residents,” she said. “It provides peace of mind and reduces catastrophic healthcare expenditure.”
