Lagos bets on digital radio, telemedicine to deepen health insurance enrollment
Lagos state is betting on technology-driven health communication to expand insurance coverage and improve access to care, with the launch of ILERA EKO Spotlight, Nigeria’s first health insurance online radio.
The initiative, unveiled by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), on Wednesday in Lagos, combines digital broadcasting and telemedicine to boost awareness of the State’s compulsory Social Health Insurance Scheme and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage.
Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, the permanent secretary of LASHMA, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and equitable healthcare for all Lagosians, noting that the radio station would serve as a dynamic platform for continuous engagement and education on health insurance and wellness.
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Zamba expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Strategy for its consistent partnership, describing it as instrumental to the Agency’s strong media visibility. She acknowledged the support received under Mr. Olumide Sogunle, the immediate past permanent secretary, while expressing optimism that the collaboration would thrive further under Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, the current permanent secretary.
Addressing recent technical issues faced by enrollees, the permanent secretary apologized for temporary service disruptions due to an ongoing ICT upgrade. “We appeal for patience as we work towards completing the upgrade to improve user experience and service quality,” she assured.
Zamba explained that since governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the Executive Order on mandatory Social Health Insurance in July 2024, LASHMA had intensified awareness through multilingual campaigns. She revealed that the Agency had collaborated with veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as “Oga Bello,” to produce nine radio docudramas, social media skits, and commercials in Yoruba and Pidgin to reach the informal sector.
According to her, the newly launched ILERA EKO Spotlight online radio will expand LASHMA’s digital footprint and enable residents to access credible health information daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. “This platform will serve as our voice to educate, inform, and connect directly with Lagosians across all communities,” she added.
The LASHMA boss also urged residents to embrace the ILERA EKO Telemedicine service, noting that many still preferred unnecessary hospital visits despite the convenience of virtual consultations. “Hospital visits are not always necessary. You can consult licensed doctors from your home or workplace through our Telehealth platform,” she said.
In his goodwill message, Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, who was represented by Dr. Olajide Atansuyi, the director of social media, described the radio platform as a milestone in health communication, adding that health was central to the socio-economic prosperity of Lagos, and the initiative would bridge the gap between government policy and the people.
“At the heart of every progressive society is a healthy citizenry. The Spotlight Radio Programme will enlighten, engage, and empower Lagosians with practical health information that can transform lives,”
Bajulaiye said.
He emphasized the role of media as a bridge between government and citizens and pledged the Ministry’s continued support to amplify LASHMA’s initiatives. “Together, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more informed Lagos,” he affirmed.
