Lagos Mandates ₦15,000 Health Insurance for Residents

The Lagos State Government has mandated health insurance for all residents through the annual Ilera Eko plan, which costs ₦15,000, equivalent to about ₦1,250 monthly. Akin Abayomi, the Commissioner for Health, stated that this initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden of medical bills on families, particularly during emergencies.

The Lagos State Health Management Agency, under the Ministry of Health, administers this scheme, which covers various healthcare services, including consultations, antenatal care, childbirth, treatment for malaria and chronic conditions, laboratory tests, surgeries, and up to 15 days of hospitalization annually. Abayomi noted that uninsured residents face separate charges for hospital services, which can strain family finances.

He also clarified that not all medical expenses are covered under the insurance, urging residents to understand their policy terms. The 2024 executive order that domesticates the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 made this health insurance compulsory in Lagos.