Lagos Deploys Biometric Card Readers in Public, Private Hospitals
Ayodeji Ake
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) in collaboration with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA) has launched and deployed biometric card readers for the Ilera Eko Social Health Plan.
The unveiling took place at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos, and the renowned private facility, St. Nicholas Hospital, symbolising the inclusiveness of the Ilera Eko provider network.
The biometric card readers are integrated with the LASSRA database and designed to authenticate enrollees using their LASSRA ID, thereby enhancing enrollee verification, eliminating impersonation, and streamlining access to health services.
The move, according to LASHMA, marks the beginning of a pilot phase across 100 healthcare facilities in the state.
The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, while speaking at the launch, described the initiative as a landmark moment in the state’s pursuit of universal health coverage.
“This launch is not just about deploying devices. It is about deepening our commitment to building a health system that is accessible, accountable, and inclusive for all residents of Lagos,” she said.
Zamba who was represented by LASHMA’s Coordinator of Regulation, Mr. Tosin Awosika, commended LASSRA for its strategic partnership, which she described as “a perfect example of what is possible when agencies align their mandates for the public good.”
She noted that the integration of the ILERA EKO ICT platform with the LASSRA database has ushered in a new era of biometric identification for healthcare access in Lagos.
Highlighting the operational simplicity of the new system, she explained that the plug-and-play card readers require minimal setup and are supported by LASHMA’s technical team.
“This innovation strengthens the integrity of our health insurance system and ensures the right individuals receive care without delay,” she added.
At the private facility launch site, the Clinical Director of St. Nicholas Hospital, Dr. Ebun Bamgboye, praised the initiative and affirmed the hospital’s unwavering support for the programme.
“We’ve always felt a responsibility to support initiatives that improve healthcare outcomes. Despite being a private institution, this collaboration aligns with our corporate social responsibility and values,” he said.
