The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) in continuation of its recognition and appreciation of the outstanding contributions of eminent personalities, to the promotion of the Social Health Insurance Scheme in Lagos State, has inducted the Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, as an ILERA EKO Champion.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, during the courtesy visit and induction of the Chief Medical Director at LASUTH, disclosed that the CMD deserved to be honoured as an ILERA EKO Champion due to his unwavering support and commitment.
She added that the CMD, is the most Executive Order Compliant Provider on the ILERA EKO Network.
Represented by the Coordinator, Regulations, LASHMA, Mr. Tosin Awosika, Dr. Zamba also commended him for his exemplary leadership in ensuring that more Lagos residents, particularly healthcare workers embrace health insurance.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the CMD of LASUTH has consistently demonstrated his support for the various activities of LASHMA and it is on record that LASUTH was the first hospital in Lagos State to provide space for the establishment of ILERA EKO registration kiosk, thereby making it easier for residents and hospital visitors to register seamlessly on the Health Insurance Scheme.
Dr. Zamba added that LASUTH also created a pathway and a separate pharmacy for ILERA EKO Enrollees, thereby reducing their waiting time at the hospital.
The Permanent Secretary said, “After the signing of the Executive Order by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on 16th July, 2024, LASUTH was the first medical facility to do a publication to support the Executive Order”. According to her, the CMD made announcements in the Hospitals about the Executive Order Implementation.
Dr. Zamba, who applauded the cordial relationship between LASUTH and LASHMA, noted that the hospital’s commitment is in line with the vision of ensuring that Lagos residents have access to quality healthcare and that Lagos State achieves Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The Permanent Secretary implored other Medical Directors in Lagos State, to emulate the good work of LASUTH CMD by actively supporting and promoting the Social Health Insurance Scheme to reduce out-of-pocket payment for medical bills to the barest minimum.
She said “To achieve UHC is a journey which includes the responsibility of all. Together, we can build a healthier Lagos where no one is denied access to healthcare due to financial hardship.”
Responding, the Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to LASHMA for the honour, emphasising that the recognition would further strengthen his commitment to promoting health insurance awareness within and beyond LASUTH.
He stated that ILERA EKO represents a vision of hope where everyone, regardless of his or her background, has access to quality healthcare. He reaffirmed that LASUTH will continue to be a strong partner in this mission.
