In commemoration of the 2024 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) hosted a Stakeholders’ Appreciation and Recognition Award Ceremony at Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja. The event brought together policymakers, healthcare providers, health management organizations, pharmaceutical service providers, the media, and other key players to celebrate their contributions toward equitable and quality healthcare under the ILERA EKO Social Health Insurance Scheme.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving UHC. She lauded the theme, “Health: It’s on the (House) Government”, as a reflection of government leadership in ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare.

“Through ILERA EKO, we are bridging gaps in healthcare access for all Lagosians,” Dr. Zamba said. She highlighted the scheme’s milestones, including over one million enrollees and the establishment of the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Zamba attributed LASHMA’s success to the unwavering commitment of stakeholders. “Your innovative approaches, dedication, and tireless advocacy are the backbone of our achievements. Today, we celebrate not just the milestones but the extraordinary individuals and organizations that made them possible,” she remarked. She also called on the awardees to remain ambassadors of UHC, inspiring others to join the movement for a healthier Lagos.

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary, Health District VI, Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, commended LASHMA for the event, underscoring the importance of health insurance in achieving UHC. “Access to affordable healthcare should not lead to out-of-pocket financial strain. Health insurance bridges this gap, and ILERA EKO is a testament to that,” she said.

Dr. Mabogunje, commended LASHMA for its proactive efforts in reducing out-of-pocket expenses through health insurance. “Primary healthcare is pivotal, and LASHMA is setting the pace for universal health access in Lagos,” she said. She congratulated the award recipients for their dedication to improving health outcomes in the state.

Senior Health Specialist with USAID-LHSS, Dr. Chidumga Ohazurike, applauded LASHMA’s progress and recognized the vital role of healthcare providers. “Your dedication proves profit isn’t the sole goal; it’s about improving health indices in Lagos,” Dr. Ohazurike noted, calling for sustained collaboration.

Dr. Chidumga Ohazurike praised LASHMA’s achievements, stating, “We’ve witnessed LASHMA grow significantly, with impactful results that inspire confidence in the future of health insurance in Lagos.”

Similarly, Manager, Solina Centre for International Development and Research, Mr. King Ewa-Henshaw, celebrated LASHMA’s digital innovations in healthcare delivery. “LASHMA has set the pace in equitable digit-first care, and we are proud to support their journey towards UHC,” he remarked.

The ceremony saw the presentation of various awards to outstanding contributors in the health sector. St. Nicholas Hospitals received the Clinical Excellence Award for delivering quality patient care, while Aruna Ogun Memorial Specialist Hospital was honored with the Patient Safety Champion Award for advancing a culture of safety. Esso Hospital clinched the Community Health and Wellness Award for its advocacy and innovative health initiatives.

In the health management category, Phillips HMO Limited emerged as the Best Performing Third-Party Administrator, and Nectarite Pharmacy, Alimosho, was named the Best Performing Community Pharmacy. HCI Healthcare Limited received the Excellence in Compliance with Quarterly Returns award for consistent regulatory adherence.

Recognizing excellence in media, Lagos State Government was awarded Best Online Media Reporter for promoting ILERA EKO initiatives, while Angela Onwuzoo won Best Print Journalist for her impactful stories on health awareness. TV journalist Titilayo Abereowo and radio host Adeolu Okunade (Mr. Pilot) were honored for their exceptional health advocacy through broadcast media.

General Hospital Ikorodu and Crystal Specialist Hospital were lauded for their data reporting accuracy, while healthcare providers like Perfect Eyes Eye Clinic and Nene Dental received recognition for outstanding service delivery in optical and dental care, respectively.

In a special category, Dr. Osinachi Ubani of Oshodi Primary Health Center won the Leadership in Quality Improvement Award, while 10 healthcare professionals, including Dorcas Nyanah of Ikorodu General Hospital, were recognized as Healthcare Quality Champions.

Addressing the awardees, Dr. Zamba urged them to keep the momentum. “These achievements are a legacy for future generations,” she said. The event closed with a collective commitment to strengthen partnerships for a healthier and more equitable Lagos.

The awards served as a testament to the progress made under the ILERA EKO scheme and a rallying call for stakeholders to sustain their efforts in achieving universal health coverage in Lagos State.

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