LASHMA, LASCOPA COLLABORATE TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON ILERA EKO, CONSUMER RIGHTS

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.

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 emphasised 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 emphasised 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.

The Permanent Secretary also used 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 specialised 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 centres, 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 emphasised 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.

He explained 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, 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, reminding Lagosians that the Agency’s doors are always open to assist them in getting the best possible care.

He also encouraged Lagosians to utilise 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 prioritise consumer rights and work to ensure that all residents receive the quality of care they deserve.

“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. 

Throughout the parley, both Dr. Zamba and Mr. Solebo underscored the importance of continuous public sensitisation 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 emphasised 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.