The Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Tunbosun Haruna Aruwe, has sponsored the enrollment of 1,000 vulnerable residents into the Lagos State Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, in a move aimed at expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare in the council area.

The initiative was unveiled during a stakeholders' engagement organised by the Mushin Local Government in collaboration with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA).

Speaking at the event, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs Ojo Aramide, described the intervention as a major investment in the health of the people.

"Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated his administration's commitment to safeguarding the health of Lagos residents by increasing the State Health Insurance Fund from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion. We commend Hon. Tunbosun Haruna Aruwe for sponsoring the enrollment of 1,000 vulnerable Mushin residents. This is a bold investment in human capital and a demonstration of compassionate leadership."

She explained that the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme is being implemented in partnership with the Conference of 57 Local Government and LCDA Chairmen to ensure wider access to healthcare, adding that residents can also benefit from flexible payment plans under the Ilera Tiwa Cooperative.

In recognition of his contribution to healthcare delivery, LASHMA presented Aruwe with the Icon of EKOSHA Award for his support for the state health insurance scheme and infrastructural development.

Responding, Aruwe said his administration would continue to prioritise programmes that improve the welfare of residents.

"Good health remains one of the greatest assets anyone can possess. This initiative is designed to ensure that no resident is denied access to quality healthcare because of financial challenges. I urge every resident of Mushin to register for the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme and encourage others to do the same. If we continue to witness the positive impact of this programme, we are committed to expanding the number of beneficiaries next year."

He announced that registration of beneficiaries and other interested residents would commence on Monday.

The Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government and Supervisor for Health, Hon. Semiu Karaole, commended the Chairman's gesture for what he described as a people-oriented initiative.

"This programme reflects the administration's commitment to improving the health and well-being of residents. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and enrol in the scheme."

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Pa Femi Okuyemi, said the initiative would save lives.

"Many lives have been lost because people could not afford quality healthcare. This programme is one every resident should embrace. I am personally benefiting from the scheme."

The Iyaloja of Mushin, Alhaja Taibat Borokini, praised the Federal and Lagos State governments as well as the council chairman for making healthcare more accessible.

"I will mobilise traders across Mushin markets to register because this programme will benefit many families."

Chairman of the House Committee on Health in the Mushin Legislative Arm, Hon. Zainab Akinboro, said beneficiaries would enjoy access to treatment in accredited hospitals and approved pharmacies across the state.

LASHMA Area Coordinator, Mrs Ogunaike Adewunmi, disclosed that the Standard Individual Plan costs ₦15,000 per year, while family plans cost ₦55,000 and ₦80,000, depending on household size.

According to her, enrollees are entitled to medical consultations, laboratory investigations, emergency care, ambulance services, surgeries, antenatal and maternity care, immunisation, blood transfusions, treatment for chronic illnesses and other healthcare services through accredited providers.

Also speaking, the Ilera Ibile Coordinator, Mr Olatunbi Boluwaji, urged residents to avoid making payments to unauthorised persons.

"All payments are processed electronically through the official LASHMA platform, while every enrollee receives a unique policy number. Residents should only deal with accredited enrollment officers."

The event ended with stakeholders pledging to intensify awareness campaigns across Mushin to encourage more residents to enrol in the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme.