LAGOS SEEKS PUBLIC SERVANTS’ SUPPORT FOR HEALTH SCHEME IMPLEMENTATION
The Lagos State Government has sought the support of public servants for the successful implementation of the proposed mandatory Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS), especially in the areas of propagation of information about the scheme, its benefit-packages and the roles of stakeholders.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris while speaking at a meeting organised by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Public Service Office, to sensitise public servants on the scheme noted that the role of public servants just like other stakeholders cannot be overemphasised in the successful implementation of the scheme.
“The reason for this sensitisation meeting is to educate and sensitise you on the reasons for the rollout of the scheme, policy decisions, the modalities of the scheme, the plans, the benefit packages, service provision, premium breakdown and payment modalities as well as your roles and responsibilities of enrollees and stakeholders in the scheme”, Idris said.
He noted LSHS is a compulsory health insurance program established by the enabling law of the State to ensure all residents of Lagos State have access to affordable and quality healthcare, stressing that the scheme is aimed at protecting people living in Lagos from financial distress resulting from huge medical bills.
Dr. Idris, while explaining that the premium payment for a family of six is 40,000 Naira per year and premium for single enrolment is 8,500 Naira per year, noted that a premium subsidy of 75percent was approved by the Lagos State Executive Council for public servants.
“What this means is that the State government will pay 75percent of the premium while public servants will only be required to pay 25percent”, the Commissioner explained.
He said that LSHS, apart from increasing access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship, is also providing enrollees with options of accessing these services at public or private health facilities.
In the same vein, the Head of Lagos State Public Service, Mrs. Folasade Adesoye, who also spoke at the meeting, stated that it is important for public servants as key stakeholders and potential beneficiaries of the scheme to understand their roles and what they stood to gain from the scheme.
“It is for this purpose that representatives of public servants of different grade levels were drawn from all MDAs to participate at this meeting with the hope that information received will be shared at individual MDA level,” she said.
Adesoye opined that the scheme will not only positively influence the well-being of the entire workforce but will also go a long way in promoting a healthy lifestyle and improved standard of living for the teeming Lagos populace including public servants and their families.
While expressing the gratitude of public servants to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for the subsidised premium payment and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of public servants as well as their families, Adesoye gave assurance that public servants will continue to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of government policies and programmes, as expected, at all times.
The General Manager of LASHMA, Dr. Peju Adenusi while giving an overview of the scheme said the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) registration number will be a prerequisite for accessing any benefits available under the scheme.
She disclosed that the scheme will cover a wide range of medical services including child care, ophthalmic care and dental care.