The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has honoured the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Professor Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, with the prestigious title of ILERA EKO Champion, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the promotion of health insurance in Lagos State.
EpeInsights reports that the honour, which was conferred during a courtesy visit to LASUTH, underscores the agency’s ongoing effort to acknowledge individuals and institutions driving the success of the ILERA EKO Social Health Insurance Scheme.
Speaking during the induction, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said Professor Fabamwo was being recognized for his “unwavering support, exceptional leadership, and strong commitment” to advancing health insurance coverage among Lagos residents.
Represented by the Coordinator of Regulations at LASHMA, Mr. Tosin Awosika, Dr. Zamba revealed that LASUTH remains the most Executive Order–compliant provider on the ILERA EKO network.
She praised the hospital’s proactive role in facilitating public enrollment into the scheme and promoting healthcare access for all.
According to her, LASUTH was the first hospital in the state to provide space for an ILERA EKO registration kiosk, simplifying the registration process for residents and visitors.
The teaching hospital also established a dedicated pharmacy and service pathway for ILERA EKO enrollees, significantly reducing waiting time and improving patient experience.
Dr. Zamba further noted that following the Executive Order on Compulsory Health Insurance signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on July 16, 2024, LASUTH became the first medical facility to publicly endorse and implement the directive.
She commended the collaborative relationship between LASHMA and LASUTH, describing it as a model partnership that aligns with the state’s vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“To achieve UHC is a collective responsibility,” Dr. Zamba emphasized. “We must all work together to build a healthier Lagos where no one is denied access to healthcare because of financial constraints.”
She encouraged other Medical Directors across the state to emulate LASUTH’s example by supporting the Social Health Insurance Scheme and reducing residents’ out-of-pocket expenses.
In his response, Professor Fabamwo expressed gratitude to LASHMA for the recognition, noting that the honour would further inspire him and the LASUTH team to deepen advocacy for health insurance.
“ILERA EKO represents a vision of hope—one where everyone, regardless of background, can access quality healthcare,” he said. “LASUTH will continue to be a strong partner in realizing this vision for the people of Lagos.”
