In a bid to enhance public healthcare delivery, the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL) is championing an initiative that promotes accountability and ensures access to basic healthcare services, particularly for the most vulnerable populations in Lagos State.
Speaking during a radio program on EKO FM, Barr Ayo Adebusoye, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Lagos State Civil Society Participation for Development (LACSOP) explained that the interventions implemented by LISDEL focus on establishing an accountability mechanism for basic healthcare provision, with the goal of providing health insurance coverage for the most vulnerable individuals in the state.
Barr Adebusoye mentioned that the basic healthcare provision fund would help to ensure a basic minimum package of services becomes accessible to those in need.
Barr Adebusoye emphasized the importance of ensuring that all obligated services are actually being provided at the service points.
He said “a crucial aspect of LISDEL’s work is the regular monitoring and evaluation of government healthcare services to ensure effective delivery. This involves assessing service utilization, optimizing service quality, and providing feedback to the government.
He also noted that the health insurance scheme introduced by the Lagos State Government plays a vital role in providing financing for healthcare services.
Mr Adebusoye stressed the significance of the equity fund, which allocates 1% of the consolidated revenue fund for Lagos State to cover premiums for vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities (PWDs) and those with lower incomes.
“The aim is to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services.” He said.
Under the equity fund, PWDs and other vulnerable groups are entitled to free antenatal care, childbirth services, post-natal care, immunization, and treatment for common childhood diseases.
Adebusoye further said it is important to raise awareness about these provisions, urging residents to register with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA).
To register for health insurance or learn more about the Lagos State Health Scheme, individuals can visit the official LASHMA website at lashma.com or inquire at their nearest primary healthcare centre. With a collective effort, Lagos State aims to optimize public healthcare delivery and ensure the well-being of all its residents.
The Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) represents a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage for the growing population of Lagos State.
As Barr Ayo Adebusoye aptly stated, “Health is wealth, the most important thing we have is our health. Let us take care of it. If we can insure our car, what about this car—our body? The insurance in Lagos State is the lowest anywhere.”
He urged residents to seize the opportunity and emphasized the government’s commitment to providing healthcare support through the equity fund.