The Joint Learning Agenda for UHC (JLA4UHC) and the Lagos Civil Society Participation for Development (LACSOP) have commended the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) for its dedication and commitment to implement the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, with the aim of improving access to healthcare services among poor and vulnerable people in Lagos State.
In a joint press release signed by JLA4UHC and LACSOP, the groups expressed their delight with the improvements in the health insurance scheme in Lagos State and the proposed inauguration of the CSO-LASHMA committee, which would ensure citizens’ voices and inclusion in the delivery of the health insurance.
Barr. Ayo Adebusoye, the Chairman, Board of Trustees at LACSOP and the Lagos State JLA Nigeria Focal Point, also emphasized how the Lagos State Health Scheme tagged “Ilera Eko”, has helped to ensure that vulnerable residents across Lagos State are enrolled into the health plan.
With regards to the LSHS’ alignment to the NHIA, Adebusoye noted that the Lagos State Government needs to improve on the governance and coordination of the LSHS such that an active multi-stakeholder accountability platform, which comprises of representatives from the primary healthcare board, civil society, and other key stakeholders is established.
Adebusoye buttressed that “LASHMA has shown readiness to establish a multi-stakeholder accountability platform, especially with the proposed setting up of the CSO-LASHMA committee, which would be inaugurated very soon.”
Olayide Akanni, the co-convener of JLA4UHC, noted that according to the Lagos State Citizens’ Baseline Readiness and Alignment Scorecard for Implementation of the NHIA Act 2022, the Lagos State Government has fared well in the implementation of the Act, but more action is needed.
Akanni noted that there is a gap in the inclusion of comprehensive multi-level data reporting channels from the facility to the NHIA, in the state operational guidelines.
She thereafter charged the Lagos State Government to continue to work on its shortfalls to ensure that the NHIA is fully implemented, and that poor and vulnerable people in the state have access to quality healthcare services.
She also expressed optimism that the proposed amendment of the LASHMA regulation will incorporate current realities and align with the NHIA Act 2022.