The Lagos State Government has set a deadline of December 31, 2026, for all residents to obtain health insurance, with enforcement of this new policy commencing on January 1, 2027. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this announcement during a recent event in Victoria Island, where he launched the enforcement of mandatory health insurance under Executive Order EO/BOS/01 of 2024.

In a press release from the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, it was highlighted that the governor introduced the Lagos Private Health Plans aimed at providing health insurance coverage for salaried workers and corporate organizations. This initiative is designed to complement the existing Ilera Eko scheme, which focuses on vulnerable residents and those in the informal sector.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of the executive order, stating that its ultimate goal is to ensure that every resident of Lagos has access to quality healthcare services without facing financial hardship. He remarked, "The ultimate objective of the Executive Order went beyond enforcement, noting that it was to ensure that every Lagos resident was covered by health insurance and could access quality healthcare services without suffering financial hardship."

The governor further explained that the new policy places responsibilities on individuals, employers, and the government, mandating that all residents, employers, and workers in Lagos must have social health insurance. He underscored that employers should view healthcare provisions as essential business costs, similar to pensions and other employment-related obligations.

In addition to the health insurance mandate, Sanwo-Olu addressed emergency medical care, insisting that no healthcare provider should deny treatment to residents needing urgent medical attention due to financial constraints. He stressed that patients should first be stabilized before any discussions regarding payment or insurance coverage take place.

The governor also announced that 21 health maintenance organizations have agreed to participate in the new health plans, marking a significant partnership between the government and private sector aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery in the state. He urged medical professionals contemplating emigration to reconsider, arguing that improved healthcare financing could lead to a more sustainable environment for practitioners.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, highlighted the rising costs of healthcare due to advancements in medical technology and the necessity of a robust health insurance system to shield residents from escalating medical expenses. He characterized the launch of the new health insurance plans as a pivotal shift in healthcare financing, which currently relies heavily on out-of-pocket payments, placing undue financial strain on families and healthcare facilities.

Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, Chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, revealed that the state government has increased its Health Equity Fund from N1 billion to N3 billion to extend health insurance coverage to over 500,000 vulnerable residents unable to afford the required premiums. He assured that LASHMA would continue to enhance enrollment efforts, boost public awareness, and ensure that the new policy translates into accessible healthcare for all residents, leveraging community engagement through various outreach initiatives.