In a strategic move to improve access to quality healthcare at the grassroots, the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Seyi Jakande, has partnered with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) to educate residents on the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme.

The community engagement, held within the LCDA, brought together key stakeholders including traditional rulers, community leaders, market leaders, youth associations, and representatives of trade and artisan groups. The initiative is part of efforts to deepen awareness and promote the Ilera Eko Social Health Insurance Scheme, an initiative of the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Addressing participants, Dr. Jakande emphasized the importance of prioritizing health, noting that “health is wealth.” He urged residents and stakeholders to take advantage of the scheme, revealing that the council has concluded plans to enroll about 1,000 families across Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA.

He further disclosed that his administration has integrated all Primary Health Care centres within the LCDA, enabling seamless access to patients’ medical history across facilities. According to him, this innovation ensures that residents can receive prompt and informed medical attention at any PHC within the LCDA, especially during emergencies.

Speaking with Mushines News, the Chairman explained that the mass enrollment initiative aligns with his administration’s HEWA agenda, aimed at expanding health benefits and strengthening community-based healthcare delivery.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of LSHMA, Emmanuela Samba, commended the council for its proactive approach in organizing the stakeholders’ engagement. She noted that such initiatives are critical to achieving universal health coverage across all 57 Local Governments and LCDAs in Lagos State.

Dr. Samba assured residents that the agency would train community members on the scheme and establish information desks within the LCDA to facilitate enrollment. She praised the Chairman’s commitment to enrolling 1,000 families, announcing that the exercise is set to commence on Monday. She also encouraged residents to take advantage of the affordable scheme, assuring them of quality healthcare services from accredited partner hospitals.

The high point of the event was the decoration of Dr. Jakande as an Icon of the Lagos State Health Alliance, earning him a place in the Hall of Fame in recognition of his dedication to advancing healthcare access at the grassroots.

Stakeholders present at the engagement expressed appreciation for the initiative, sharing their experiences with partner hospitals under the scheme. Concerns raised were addressed, with participants encouraged to report any substandard services for prompt action.

The engagement marks a significant step towards strengthening community ownership of healthcare and ensuring that more residents benefit from accessible and affordable medical services.