The event focused on the importance of prioritizing health for enrollees of the EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), particularly for vulnerable populations.
EpeInsights gathered that the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, passionately addressed the attendees, stressing that good health is the foundation for a productive life.
She emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and the need for early detection to improve health outcomes. “Illness offers no warning,” Dr. Zamba noted, advocating for taking proactive steps toward maintaining better health.
One of the standout highlights of the engagement was the introduction of ILERA EKO’s telemedicine service, which allows enrollees to access healthcare consultations remotely.
Dr. Zamba encouraged residents to take advantage of this service, available through a toll-free line (080000-EKO-VBT, 080000-356828).
The service, offered in multiple languages—Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and English—provides easy access to medical advice. Once verified, prescriptions are sent directly to the enrollees’ phones, and medications can be picked up at nearby pharmacies.
In addition to telemedicine, Dr. Zamba made sure enrollees knew they had around-the-clock customer service support through LASHMA’s dedicated helplines: 0800-ILERAEKO (0800-45372-356) and 0800-ASKLASHMA (0800-2755-27462). For WhatsApp users, support is available at 07045358275 and 07046160051.
This initiative is designed to ensure that residents receive continuous assistance when they need it most.
During the event, Dr. Zamba acknowledged healthcare facilities that were excelling in patient care but also issued a firm warning to facilities with subpar customer service, reminding them that they could face sanctions if improvements were not made.
Permanent Secretary for Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Ashiyanbi, also spoke at the event, lauding Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his ongoing efforts to ensure equitable healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable communities.
He recognized LASHMA’s active role in addressing the healthcare challenges facing residents in the district.
The event also saw support from local leaders, including His Royal Majesty, the Onijanikin of Ijanikin, Oba Momodu Ashafa, who was represented by Queen Esther Ashafa.
The Onijanikin encouraged all residents to enroll in ILERA EKO, praising the initiative as a universally beneficial state program.
In addition, Chief Ganiyu Monsuru, Baale of Ijagun Ijanikin, advised against self-medication and urged residents to register for ILERA EKO for better access to hospital care. He also encouraged patients to be patient and adhere to the medical guidance they received during their healthcare visits.
Representing the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mrs. Rita Chuckwu, State Coordinator, expressed her appreciation for the Lagos State Government’s work in ensuring access to quality healthcare for federal beneficiaries through the BHCPF.
She was joined by Mr. George Johnson, Assistant Director of NHIA, who echoed the commitment to continued collaboration with LASHMA.
Dr. Ashiyanbi concluded the session by reminding the vulnerable residents present of the incredible benefits of ILERA EKO, urging them to take full advantage of the opportunity to improve their health and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for medical care.
