Lagos State has reopened registration for its Ilera Eko health insurance scheme in Eti-Osa Constituency II after more than 5,000 residents received two years of sponsored coverage aimed at reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses.
The registration was reopened by the member representing Eti-Osa Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Gbolahan Yishawu, following increased demand for the programme, which is being implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Government’s Ilera Eko scheme.
Yishawu disclosed this on Friday during the distribution of insurance cards to beneficiaries, saying the two-year coverage was designed to connect more residents with the state’s health insurance system and prevent the cost of treatment from keeping families away from hospitals.
“We want to ensure that every one of our residents has the opportunity to get medical care,” he said.
The lawmaker said the scheme was particularly intended to ease the burden of medical expenses on families, elderly residents and pregnant women, while encouraging beneficiaries to seek medical attention, when necessary, instead of delaying treatment because of cost.
The Standard Jaara package covers treatment for malaria and typhoid, antenatal care, dental and eye services, and some surgical procedures.
Yishawu said the number of beneficiaries could exceed the initial target of 5,000 as registration was reopened during the two-day card collection exercise to accommodate more residents.
He said the initiative was also intended to familiarise beneficiaries with the state’s health insurance system and encourage them to maintain coverage after the sponsored period.
According to him, Ilera Eko provides payment options, including monthly and quarterly arrangements, through which beneficiaries can continue their insurance coverage after the two-year sponsorship.
Some of the beneficiaries said the scheme would reduce their medical expenses and make them more likely to seek routine healthcare.
A beneficiary, Simon Eso, thanked Yishawu for sponsoring his insurance for two years, saying the coverage would give him access to medical care without having to pay the premium.
Another beneficiary, a former Secretary to the Local Government, Taiwo Afinni, said he rushed to register after hearing about the programme.
Afinni, who said he regularly used Lagos State-owned health facilities, expressed optimism that the insurance card would reduce his medical expenses.
Faith Okha said the coverage would encourage her to undergo regular health checks, while Favour Anozie said it would make services such as eye and dental examinations more accessible.
Yishawu said the programme was developed from feedback received from residents through town hall meetings and other engagements.
“We do an analysis of the data we receive, based on the things people say at town halls and other engagements. Our programmes meet the needs of our constituents,” he said.
He added that residents had requested further healthcare interventions following previous eye-care programmes, including services for ear- and nose-related conditions, which he said his team was considering.
Yishawu urged beneficiaries to make use of the insurance whenever they needed medical attention, stressing that the immediate objective was to reduce financial barriers to healthcare while increasing awareness of affordable health insurance in the state.