Group Photograph Of Officials Of LASHMA And LASCOPA

In a strategic move to enlighten Lagos residents about the ILERA EKO Health Insurance Scheme and the role of service providers in protecting consumer rights, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), in partnership with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), hosted a media parley at Protea Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, 21st August 2024. The event brought together key stakeholders, including healthcare providers, media representatives, and beneficiaries of the ILERA EKO scheme, to discuss the importance of affordable healthcare and consumer rights within the state.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, highlighted the agency’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that residents in both formal and informal sectors benefit from quality healthcare services. She emphasized that the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) law, which established LASHMA, laid the foundation for ILERA EKO, a groundbreaking initiative designed to make healthcare accessible to all Lagosians.

She acknowledged the pivotal role of LASHMA in providing affordable healthcare to Lagosians through the ILERA EKO scheme, which operates under the Lagos State Health Scheme law of 2015. Dr. Zamba emphasized the importance of protecting consumer rights and ensuring that enrollees receive value for their money.

Dr. Zamba highlighted the structure of LASHMA, which includes three main arms: the ILERA EKO Social Health Insurance Scheme, the Regulations arm responsible for ensuring compliance among residents, and the EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA), which focuses on enrolling vulnerable residents in the health insurance plan. “These arms, along with the agency’s dedicated Customer Service and Quality Units, are committed to delivering quality services and safeguarding consumer interests”, she noted.

The Permanent Secretary also took the opportunity to introduce the recently upgraded ILERA EKO Standard Jaara plan, launched by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in July 2024. “This new plan offers additional benefits such as annual wellness checks, telemedicine services, and specialized treatments like cataract surgery and cancer care”, she said.

Dr. Zamba encouraged all residents to enroll in the ILERA EKO scheme, which now includes over 857 healthcare providers across Lagos State, ensuring that residents have a wide choice of hospitals and healthcare centers, no matter where they are located in the state.

In his presentation, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, reiterated his agency’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring that healthcare service providers under the ILERA EKO scheme deliver quality and standard services. He praised the LASHMA initiative and emphasized that the health of Lagosians is crucial to the success of the state’s economy. He also pointed out that LASCOPA will continue to monitor and address any consumer complaints regarding healthcare services.

Solebo stressed that consumers should not hesitate to lodge complaints about substandard services, assuring them that LASCOPA is fully equipped to address their concerns. He highlighted the agency’s success in resolving over 9,000 consumer complaints since its inception, including significant recoveries from service providers who failed to meet the expected standards. This includes millions of naira recovered from hospitals that provided unsatisfactory services.

Mr. Solebo further elaborated on the agency’s approach to handling consumer complaints, stating that LASCOPA meticulously evaluates each case to ensure fair outcomes. He reassured residents that LASCOPA is equipped to address any grievances they may have, whether through direct mediation or by taking legal action against erring providers. He emphasized, “No matter whose ox is gored, LASCOPA will protect consumers,” stressing the agency’s commitment to upholding the rights of all Lagosians under the ILERA EKO scheme.

Highlighting the procedure for lodging complaints, Mr. Solebo advised consumers to first report issues to the hospital management. If unsatisfied with the response, they should immediately contact LASCOPA. He provided comprehensive contact details, including office locations across Lagos where residents can seek redress. He urged, “Do not suffer in silence,” and reminded Lagosians that LASCOPA’s doors are always open to assist them in getting the best possible care.

The General Manager also informed the public that LASCOPA has offices in several locations across Lagos State, making it easier for residents to file complaints. He encouraged Lagosians to utilize the agency’s social media platforms and other communication channels to report any issues they encounter with service providers. Solebo assured that LASCOPA will always prioritize consumer rights and work to ensure that all residents receive the quality of care they deserve.

“This starts from the moment you get to the reception of that particular hospital, how you are being attended to, what you went for and if you’re getting treated for the particular reason you went there for. Both parties involved—Lagos State Government, LASHMA, and the service provider—must ensure that consumers are not shortchanged and receive the same treatment as if they were not under the scheme. If any service provider is keying into the scheme, it’s on them to ensure that consumers get value for their money and satisfaction.

“It is also at this point that consumers must be reminded to first and foremost make their complaints known to the management of the hospital. If their concerns are not addressed, they should not suffer in silence but report to LASCOPA. Our office is located at No 2b Soji Adepegba Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja. Also, we have offices across the state. You can also reach us on our social media handles. Once you lodge your complaints, someone will attend to you and ask what you want. You can call 08124993895, 09064323154, or 08992509777. The agency is set out to protect consumers in Lagos State. As a consumer, you have a right to safety and good health”, he said.

The event also featured impactful testimonials from beneficiaries of the ILERA EKO scheme, who shared their personal experiences. Roberta Oyedokun, a business owner, recounted how the scheme provided premium healthcare to her employees, one of whom had a successful cesarean section at a top-tier hospital. She praised the government for making quality healthcare accessible but suggested improvements in pharmaceutical services to ensure drugs are available closer to hospitals. Her story underscored the scheme’s positive impact on small businesses, ensuring that workers have access to necessary medical care without financial strain.

Mrs. Blessing Akpan shared an emotional account of how ILERA EKO supported her family during difficult times. After her husband fell ill and passed away, the scheme covered his medical expenses, which significantly reduced the financial burden on her family. Following his death, Mrs. Akpan herself became ill and was treated for a tumor in her neck under the ILERA EKO scheme. She expressed her deep gratitude for the care she received, including a successful surgery that was fully covered by the scheme. “I have since then become an advocate of ILERA EKO,” she declared, underscoring the scheme’s life-changing benefits.

Another beneficiary, Oyeyiga Bolanle, testified to the efficiency of the scheme after undergoing a life-saving appendicitis surgery at no extra cost. She commended the government for the initiative and encouraged others to enroll, emphasizing that the scheme is a vital lifeline for all Lagosians. Her experience, like many others, illustrated the scheme’s ability to provide timely and effective medical interventions that save lives without imposing additional financial burdens on enrollees.

Throughout the parley, both Dr. Zamba and Mr. Solebo underscored the importance of continuous public sensitization about ILERA EKO and the role of LASHMA and LASCOPA in protecting consumer rights. They called on the media to assist in spreading awareness and ensuring that all Lagosians are informed about their rights and responsibilities under the health insurance scheme.

The event concluded with an interactive session where members of the press and other stakeholders engaged with the speakers, asking questions and providing suggestions on how to improve service delivery and consumer protection under the ILERA EKO scheme.

In line with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus agenda, both LASHMA and LASCOPA reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all residents of Lagos State have access to affordable and quality healthcare. They also emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between government agencies, service providers, and consumers to achieve this goal.

The media parley marks a significant milestone in the Lagos State Government’s efforts to promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and protect consumer rights. With the support of the media and other stakeholders, LASHMA and LASCOPA are poised to continue driving awareness and ensuring that every resident of Lagos State benefits from the ILERA EKO Health Insurance Scheme.

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