In a groundbreaking move to improve healthcare accessibility, Sterling Bank Limited has partnered with the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) to launch the Ilera Eko healthcare booths. This innovative initiative aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to residents across Lagos.
The launch event, held on Tuesday, 16 July 2024, was commissioned by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The initiative features the deployment of five healthcare booths at strategic locations within the metropolis, including Yaba, Epe, Ketu, and Ikorodu, with plans to expand to 300 booths statewide.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “Today signifies a major leap in our efforts to make healthcare both accessible and affordable. The Ilera Eko booths symbolize our dedication to bringing vital services closer to our people. This partnership with Sterling Bank showcases the power of public-private collaborations in driving transformative community changes. We envision a future where no Lagosian is deprived of basic healthcare.”
The booths, staffed with certified healthcare professionals, offer essential services such as blood pressure checks, blood sugar monitoring, and treatment for common illnesses like malaria. They also provide telemedicine services and enroll residents in the LASHMA insurance scheme. Additionally, the booths will serve as agency banks, facilitating daily transactions and essential banking services for residents.
Representing the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, Adewale Adebowale, Head of Government Fulfilment at Sterling Bank, reiterated the bank’s commitment to its HEART strategy, focusing on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. “Our HEART strategy is central to our mission. The Ilera Eko booths embody our commitment to uplifting communities by integrating health and financial services. By making healthcare more accessible and affordable, we aim to enhance the quality of life for all Lagosians,” Adebowale said.
Dr. Emmanuela Zamba, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, highlighted the operational status of the initial five booths and the advanced plans for statewide expansion. She underscored the initiative’s role in providing basic medical care and facilitating comprehensive healthcare coverage through the LASHMA insurance scheme.
Sterling Bank, renowned for its progressive brand and talent management, recently received accolades for Company Leadership Gender Diversity, Gender Diversity in Supply Chain, and Family-Friendly Workplace from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) at the Gender Leader Awards 2023.
The Ilera Eko healthcare booths represent a significant step forward in the quest to make healthcare services more accessible and integrated within the community, demonstrating the impactful potential of public-private partnerships.