Right in the heart of Nigeria, Lagos, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba is changing the healthcare system like never before. Her hard work has contributed immensely to the transformation of Lagos State’s healthcare into something innovative and inclusive.
Dr. Zamba started her journey in the Lagos State public service in 2005. Since then, she has held important positions in various units and organizations within the Lagos State Health Ministry. Her experience in different roles has given her a deep understanding of healthcare management.
Pioneering Telemedicine in Nigeria:
As the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Zamba has led groundbreaking initiatives. One of her biggest achievements is the establishment of Ekotelemed, which is Nigeria’s first state-owned Telemedicine platform. This platform has been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing people to have virtual medical consultations from the comfort of their homes.
Revolutionizing Health Insurance:
Under Dr. Zambas’ leadership, the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) has seen incredible growth. In fact, it has been recognized as the best State Health Insurance scheme in Nigeria for 2023. Dr. Zamba has made important changes to make the scheme more inclusive and accessible to everyone. She has also expanded its presence in local communities.
Eko Social Health Alliance:
Dr. Zamba understands the importance of social welfare. That’s why she created the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA), which helps vulnerable members of the state access healthcare services. This initiative ensures that the vulnerable are enrolled in the Lagos State Health Scheme.
Service Charter Champion:
Dr. Zamba is committed to excellence and has advocated for transparency and accountability in healthcare. She has implemented the Health Service Charter and has received four awards for her outstanding contribution to healthcare.
EkoTelemed: A Lifeline During COVID-19:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Zamba’s leadership at LASHMA led to the creation of the EKOTelemed project. This project has been a lifeline for non-emergency primary care and has made healthcare more accessible to residents. People can consult with physicians in English, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo – the four major languages of the state.
Grassroot Outreach and Visionary Goals:
Dr. Zamba is determined to make healthcare accessible to as many people as possible. She has set a goal to enroll three million residents in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme. Her grassroots outreach program, Ilera Eko, is working to bridge the healthcare accessibility gap in all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
Dr. Emmanuella Zambas’ dedication, strategic thinking, and innovative spirit have transformed Lagos State’s healthcare system. She is an inspiration in public service as she continues to make a difference and build a healthier and more resilient society for all.
