The Lagos State Government has reopened registration for its Ilera Eko health insurance scheme in Eti-Osa Constituency II following the provision of two years’ sponsored coverage to more than 5,000 residents.
The registration exercise, facilitated by the constituency’s representative in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Gbolahan Yishawu, was reopened in response to increased demand for the programme.
Yishawu announced the development on Friday during the distribution of insurance cards to beneficiaries, explaining that the initiative was designed to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and encourage residents to seek medical attention without being discouraged by treatment costs.
He said the sponsorship would help more families access the state’s health insurance system, particularly elderly people, pregnant women and other residents who might otherwise delay treatment because of financial constraints.
“We want to ensure that every one of our residents has the opportunity to get medical care,” he said.
The sponsored coverage is based on the Standard Jaara package, which provides access to treatment for malaria and typhoid, antenatal care, dental and eye services, as well as selected surgical procedures.
According to Yishawu, the initial target of 5,000 beneficiaries could be exceeded, as registration was reopened during a two-day insurance card collection exercise to accommodate additional residents.
He said the programme was also intended to familiarise beneficiaries with Ilera Eko and encourage them to maintain health insurance after the sponsored two-year period.
The lawmaker explained that the scheme offers payment arrangements, including monthly and quarterly contributions, through which residents can continue their coverage after the sponsorship expires.
Some beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, saying it would reduce their healthcare expenses and make routine medical checks more accessible.
One of them, Simon Eso, thanked Yishawu for sponsoring his insurance for two years, noting that the arrangement would give him access to healthcare without having to pay the premium.
A former Secretary to the Local Government, Taiwo Afinni, said he registered promptly after learning about the initiative. He expressed confidence that the insurance card would reduce his medical expenses, particularly as he regularly patronised Lagos State-owned health facilities.
Another beneficiary, Faith Okha, said the coverage would encourage her to undergo regular health checks, while Favour Anozie said it would improve her access to services such as eye and dental examinations.
Yishawu said the initiative was developed in response to concerns raised by residents during town hall meetings and other constituency engagements.
He explained that feedback gathered from such interactions informed the design of programmes intended to address the healthcare needs of constituents.
The lawmaker added that residents had also requested additional interventions following earlier eye-care programmes, including services for ear- and nose-related conditions. He said his team was considering the requests.
Yishawu urged beneficiaries to take advantage of the insurance coverage whenever they needed medical attention, describing the initiative as part of efforts to remove financial barriers to healthcare and promote wider health insurance participation in Lagos State.
