LASHMA: Sanwo-Olu Calls for Partnership to Domesticate NHIA Act

Rebecca Ejifoma

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for partnerships with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) to domesticate the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of May 2022.

He also urged critical stakeholders of the health insurance value chain to ensure compliance with the provision of the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) law.

The governor appealed at the maiden Lagos State Health Insurance Summit held in the Victoria Island area.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the governor recalled his promise to improve the quality of life of Lagosians.

He also reminded stakeholders of his pledge to steer the state towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), where access to premium healthcare will be affordable.

“These services include a full range of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care,” says Sanwo-Olu.

He emphasised that this is one of the major goals of the health and environment pillar of the THEMES Plus agenda, with the ‘plus’ representing an intensified focus on social inclusion, gender equality, and youth development in these next four years.

The governor stressed that his administration rode on the existing LSHS law to bring the promise of UHC to reality.

Sanwo-Olu said to reduce out-of-pocket expenses on health, all residents of Lagos must possess a health plan to have access to quality healthcare services.

He added: “This mandatory provision of the LSHS law was further reinforced when the Federal Government enacted the NHIA Act in May 2022 and provided for the establishment and implementation of the mandatory Social Health Insurance schemes in all states of the Federation to steer the country to attain UHC.”

The governor insisted that the Act’s domestication in the state would enable the government to guarantee essential healthcare services to the citizens, thereby improving quality of life.

To this end, he continued, “I have issued an Executive Order for the commencement of the domestication of the NHIA Act and the implementation of LSHS.”

Speaking earlier, the newly appointed Chairman of the LASHMA Governing Board, Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, thanked Sanwo-Olu and Lagos residents for his privilege to serve in that capacity.

“I have had some initial contact with the management of the Agency, and I am impressed by what they have been able to accomplish since the inception,” he highlighted.

Adedewe described the Lagos State Health Scheme establishment as laudable, expressing confidence that residents would have access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

“The commitment of Mr. Governor in steering the state towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is unrivaled and very much appreciated,” he said.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, stated that the Lagos State Health Insurance Summit would serve as a critical platform for exchanging ideas and fostering innovation to achieve UHC in Lagos.

“The Lagos State Health Management Agency over the past three years has tirelessly and intentionally worked in creating enduring structures, operationalising the social health plan’s implementation, exploring innovative strategies and initiatives in advancing the cause of UHC,” she listed.

According to Zamba, they have made concerted efforts to increase coverage while leveraging technology and partnerships.