Chioma Umeha
The Lagos State Government has sought the support
of public servants in the successful implementation of the soon to be launched
mandatory Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS).These are especially in the areas of propagation of information about
the scheme, its benefit packages and roles of stakeholders.
The Health Commissioner, Dr. Jide Idris, said the
role of public servants just like other stakeholders is important in the
successful implementation of the scheme.
Dr Idris stated this at the 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.
“The reason for this sensitisation meeting is to
educate and sensitise you on the reasons for the roll out of the scheme, policy
decisions and the modalities of the scheme.
“Others are 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.
Dr Idris said LSHS is a compulsory health
insurance programme established by the enabling law of the state to ensure all
residents of Lagos State have access to affordable and quality healthcare, as
the scheme is aimed at protecting people living in Lagos from financial
distress resulting from huge medical bills.
Idris while explaining that the premium payment
for a family of six is N40,000 per year and premium for single enrolment is
N8,500 per year, said a premium subsidy of 75 per cent was approved by the
Lagos State Executive council for public servants, “What this means is that the
state government will pay 75 per cent of the premium while public servants will
only be required to pay 25 per cent,” the Commissioner said.
He noted that LSHS apart from increasing access to
quality health care services without financial hardship is also providing
enrollees with options of accessing these services at public or private health
facilities.
Similarly, Mrs. Folasade Adesoye, the Head of
Service, Lagos State Public Service, stated that it is important for public
servants as key stakeholders and potential beneficiaries of the scheme to
understand their roles and what they stand to gain from the scheme.
The Head of Service stated that the sensitisation
programme will be a continuous activity until the required awareness and
information are entrenched within the public service communities.
Dr. Peju Adenusi, General Manager of LASHMA, while
giving an overview of the scheme, explained that the LSHS Bill was signed into
Law in May 2015.
She added that the law which established LASHMA,
LSHS and the Lagos State Health Fund (LASHEF) will serve as a basket of funds
from several sources for the provision of health care services for the enrolled
population.
Adenusi said the Lagos State Residents
Registration Agency (LASRRA) registration number shall be a prerequisite for
accessing any benefit available under the schemes.
She disclosed that the services to be provided
under the scheme otherwise known as benefit package will cover a wide range of
healthcare including, antenatal and postnatal care, normal delivery and
Ceaserian operation, care of newborn, prevention of mother to child
transmission of HIV, immunisation, family planning among others.
