The Lagos State Government has vowed to begin the enforcement of compulsory health insurance policy for residents.

A Thursday statement noted that the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr. Emmanuel Zamba, said the enforcement would begin in earnest in early 2026, in line with the Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in July 2025.

She made this known at the Ilera Eko Providers Forum held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, where key stakeholders across the health insurance value chain, including healthcare providers, health maintenance organisations, and technical partners, gathered to review progress and discuss future implementation strategies.

The order mandates that residents must show evidence of enrolment in a health insurance scheme before accessing public health services, excluding emergencies.

“We want all residents to be aware and onboard before enforcement begins,” the permanent secretary said, urging residents to embrace the scheme as a financial protection tool.

“We are finalising our emergency services programme to ensure that no Lagos resident is denied urgent care.”

“People in emergencies must be treated without first presenting an insurance ID,” Zamba added.

To further strengthen identity management and prevent fraud, Zamba disclosed that LASHMA had partnered with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency to roll out biometric card readers across health facilities.

“This will eliminate impersonation and ensure only genuine enrollees benefit from the scheme,” she said.

He also highlighted the agency’s expansion into diagnostics, telemedicine, and virtual care initiatives designed to extend access to remote and underserved populations.

“Even if there is no facility near you, you can dial a toll-free number or use our app for a live consultation with a doctor, 24/7.

“We have also installed virtual booths in marketplaces to provide health education and consultation services on the go” he explained.

The Ilera Eko Providers Forum, according to Zamba, is not just a platform for information dissemination but a critical feedback mechanism.

He announced that LASHMA would now host quarterly provider engagement meetings to receive and act on feedback from partners, with a view to improving the scheme’s responsiveness.

“This is a partnership, and like all successful partnerships, it must be mutually beneficial. We are here to listen, dialogue, and find lasting solutions together,” he said.

The permanent secretary noted that the state currently has over 865 accredited providers, ranging from primary healthcare facilities to specialists in dental and eye care, as well as community pharmacies.

“Healthcare providers are now the gatekeepers of our scheme,” Zamba said, adding: “We are training them not just to offer care but to enrol clients right at their facilities as part of our broader strategy to drive up enrolment figures.”

Zamba revealed that over 400 providers had so far been trained under the newly established Ilera Eko Academy, a platform aimed at equipping providers with the tools and knowledge to actively support enrollment and implementation efforts. (The PUNCH)