The Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN), Lagos State Chapter, has called for stronger collaboration with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) to address critical issues affecting healthcare providers and strengthen the implementation of health insurance in Lagos State.
The call was made during a courtesy visit, made by the newly elected executive members of the association to the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, at the agency’s office on Wednesday.
Receiving the delegation led by the HCPAN newly elected Chairman, Mr Abimbola Julius.Adekoya, Dr Zamba expressed the agency’s readiness to work closely with the association
Describing the engagement as a “family meeting,” the Permanent Secretary acknowledged HCPAN as a critical stakeholder in the actualisation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos State. She explained that the meeting was convened to ensure a common understanding between the agency and healthcare providers on the state government’s health insurance implementation agenda.
Speaking on behalf of HCPAN Lagos, Mr Adekoya identified key areas requiring attention to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship between healthcare providers and the state government.
He specifically highlighted the need for a review of providers’ reimbursement rates and tariffs to reflect prevailing economic realities, greater professional inclusiveness in the implementation of the health insurance programme, efficient claims processing and prompt payment mechanisms, as well as simplified enrolment procedures and improved engagement with healthcare providers.
Adekoya emphasised that the success of health insurance depends not only on citizens’ enrolment but also on the ability of healthcare providers to deliver quality services under fair, sustainable and clearly defined operating conditions.
He further stressed that all professional groups affiliated with HCPAN should be recognised and accommodated within the implementation framework, noting that the effective participation of different healthcare professionals is essential to achieving comprehensive and accessible healthcare services.
The immediate past President of HCPAN Nigeria, Dr Jimmy Adeyeye Arigbabuwo, also called for sustained capacity-building programmes to educate healthcare providers and other stakeholders on their respective responsibilities in achieving Universal Health Coverage in Lagos State.
He maintained that continuous stakeholder education would promote better understanding of the health insurance system, improve service delivery and minimise operational challenges.
Similarly, the immediate past Chairman of HCPAN Lagos, Pharmacist Biola Paul-Ozieh, commended Dr Zamba for her efforts in advancing the agency’s activities. She urged both LASHMA and healthcare providers to sustain dialogue, cooperation and collaboration, stressing that the success of ILERA EKO would depend on their collective willingness to identify challenges and work towards practical solutions.
Responding to the issues raised, Dr Zamba appreciated the constructive feedback from the HCPAN delegation and assured the association that the concerns would receive attention.
On providers’ reimbursement and tariff review, she acknowledged the need to examine the existing rates but explained that reimbursement levels were also influenced by the premiums affordable to enrollees.
She noted that the tariff was due for review after the stipulated two-year period and urged healthcare providers to understand and follow the necessary administrative procedures.
The Permanent Secretary expressed hope that the review process would accommodate a tariff adjustment in 2027.
She also assured the delegation that the agency would work on improving claims processing and payment mechanisms, recognising the importance of these processes to the sustainability of healthcare facilities participating in the insurance scheme.
In a further demonstration of her commitment to sustained engagement, Dr Zamba expressed her willingness to attend the proposed HCPAN Lagos retreat and participate in the association’s planned regular webinar series. The proposed engagements are expected to provide additional platforms for dialogue, professional education and the resolution of emerging challenges in the health insurance system.
The HCPAN delegation comprised the Chairman Mr Adekoya; Deputy Chairman, Dr Deji Akinlade; General Secretary, Pharmacist Ajalo Abraham; and Publicity Secretary, Mr Jimoh Ayuba.
Members of the LASHMA team included Dr Abiola Idowu, retired permanent secretary and consultant on eegulations; Tosin Awosika, coordinator, regulation; Rotimi Olatunji, head of business development; Dr Nifesimi Akningbe, technical adviser to the permanent secretary; Olawunmi Akinsanmi, Quality Assurance and Enforcement Manager; among others.
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