Civil Society Groups Commend LASHMA Over Commitment to Implementing NHIA Act

The Joint Learning Agenda for Universal Health Coverage (JLA4UHC) and the Lagos Civil Society Participation for Development (LACSOP) have commended the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) for its dedication and commitment to implement the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, aimed at improving affordable access to healthcare services among poor and vulnerable people in Lagos State.

Barr. Ayo Adebusoye and Olayide Akanni; the Chairman, Board of Trustees at LACSOP and the Lagos State JLA Nigeria Focal Point the Co-convener of JLA4UHC respectively in a joint statement on Wednesday, expressed delight with the improvements in the health insurance scheme in Lagos State and the proposed inauguration of the CSO-LASHMA committee, which would ensure citizens’ voices and inclusion in the delivery of the health insurance.

The Groups also emphasised how the Lagos State Health Scheme tagged “Ilera Eko”, has helped to ensure that vulnerable residents across Lagos State are enrolled in the health plan.

With regards to the LSHS’ alignment to the NHIA, the Groups noted that the Lagos State Government needs to improve on the governance and coordination of the LSHS such that an active multi-stakeholder accountability platform, which comprises of representatives from the primary healthcare board, civil society, and other key stakeholders is established.

According to the Statement, “LASHMA has shown readiness to establish a multi-stakeholder accountability platform, especially with the proposed setting up of the CSO-LASHMA committee, which would be inaugurated very soon.

The Statement read in part,  “the Lagos State Citizens’ Baseline Readiness and Alignment Scorecard for Implementation of the NHIA Act 2022, the Lagos State Government has fared well in the implementation of the Act, but more action is needed.

“There is a gap in the inclusion of comprehensive multi-level data reporting channels from facility to the NHIA in the state operational guideline.

“We hereby charge the Lagos State Government to continue to work on its shortfalls to ensure that the NHIA is fully implemented, and that poor and vulnerable persons in the state have access to quality healthcare services.

“We are also optimistic that the proposed amendment of the LASHMA regulation will incorporate current realities and align with the NHIA Act 2022”.