….Outreach Centres Witness Massive Turnout
… Beneficiaries Praise Sanwo-Olu
Yesterday, the Lagos State Government hosted a Free Medical Outreach that drew thousands of participants, highlighting the community’s eagerness for accessible healthcare services. The event showcased the government’s commitment to public health, offering a wide range of medical services to residents and ensuring that essential healthcare reached those in need. The large turnout underscored the success and necessity of such initiatives, reflecting the profound impact of community-focused health programs in improving overall wellbeing.
Following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to ensure all Lagosians have access to healthcare, residents flocked eagerly to the 24 centers offering a range of free medical services. The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from the community, highlighting the strong demand for accessible health care in Lagos.
Across Lagos, from the bustling streets of Lagos Island to the lively neighborhoods of Apapa, Surulere, Ebute Meta, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, and Eti-Osa, the crowds were unstoppable. At Campos Mini Stadium, eager spectators filled every seat, while at Astroturf Stadium Airways in Apapa, the energy was palpable. Aguda Praying Ground in Surulere saw waves of people gathering, and Evans Square in Ebute Meta was alive with excitement.
Epe Recreation Centre in Epe LGA buzzed with activity, and at Iberekodo Primary School in Ibeju-Lekki LGA, the turnout was impressive. Similarly, Imota Primary School in Eti-Osa LGA was teeming with enthusiastic attendees. The surge of crowds in these diverse locations underscored the unifying spirit and vibrant life of Lagos, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and collective energy
In the Resettlement area of Araromi community, located in Eti-Osa East LCDA, a lively and enthusiastic crowd of residents gathered eagerly, all eager to partake in the highly anticipated program. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the community came together for this significant event.
Numerous residents converged on various key locations across the region. The Papa area of Oworonshoki in Kosofe LGA saw a significant turnout, as did the Legislative Compound in Pedro, Bariga LCDA. Crowds also gathered at the Ikorodu West LCDA Secretariat in Owutu, Agric in Ikorodu, and Agidi Comprehensive High School in Alapere, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. Each site buzzed with activity, reflecting the widespread community engagement.
Other centres where the outreach was held simultaneously included Helen Aderonke PHC in Egbe Idimu, Alimosho LGA; Ifako-Ijaiye LGA Secretariat in Ifako-Ijaiye LGA; Ayobo Ipaja PHC in Alimosho LGA; Agege Legislative Complex in Agege LGA; Methodist Primary School in Oshodi; Egigbo Market in Egigbo; Bishop Aggrey Place in Mushin; Ikeja Underbridge in Ikeja LGA; FHA Grounds in Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin LGA; Ojo LGA Secretariat in Ojo LGA; Suntan Beach in Badagry West LCDA; and Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA Secretariat, Baale, Ajegunle.
Alhaja Tawakalitu Balogun, a septuagenarian and resident of Mushin, received medical consultation at the Bishop Aggrey Centre in Mushin, including blood pressure and blood sugar tests, free medication, and an Ounje Eko food pack.
Sharing her experience, Alhaja Tawakalitu explained that she learned about the program through the radio and decided to verify its authenticity. To her pleasant surprise, the services were genuine. She expressed her gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for initiating various programs to ease residents’ economic hardships.
“Mr. Sanwo-Olu is considerate and humane. This is evident from the laudable initiatives his administration is implementing to alleviate the suffering of citizens. I have benefited from this initiative, and I hope he continues in this light,” she said.
Mr. Emmanuel Osai, a resident of Lagos Island, expressed his gratitude after benefiting from a free eye test and receiving a pair of eyeglasses at the Alafia Eko Medical Outreach held at Campos Mini Stadium.
Mr. Osai, who had been experiencing vision problems, learned about the outreach program through community announcements and decided to attend. “I was skeptical at first, but I decided to come and see for myself. The services provided were excellent, and the staff was very professional,” he shared.
He praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his dedication to improving the health and well-being of Lagos residents. “This initiative is a blessing. I can now see clearly thanks to the free eye test and glasses. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is truly making a difference by addressing the health needs of the community,” Mr. Osai said.
Speaking to journalists after touring some of the outreach sites, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi, outlined the programme’s objectives and its expected impact.
She emphasized the division of primary health care centers into six districts to ensure all Lagos residents have access to affordable and quality healthcare, noting that this structural organization is crucial for reaching every citizen effectively.
Dr. Ogunyemi detailed the origins of the Alafia Eko initiative, conceived in response to the economic hardships affecting residents. “Mr. Governor tasked his cabinet, including myself, to find ways to alleviate the struggles of our citizens,” she said. This led to the development of the Eko Cares programme, which encompasses various initiatives,including Ounje Eko for food support and Alafia Eko for healthcare.
The Alafia Eko initiative addresses the rising costs of medications and healthcare services. “We realized that drugs were becoming more expensive and many people could not afford to visit doctors,” Dr. Ogunyemi explained. The program aims to serve 24,000 citizens across 24 units in six districts, with each unit expected to attend to 1,000 residents.
Highlighting the uniqueness of the initiative, Dr. Ogunyemi stated, “This is the first of its kind in Nigeria, where a state provides free healthcare to all its citizens.” The outreach includes a wide range of services,such as blood pressure monitoring, HIV screening, diabetes testing, eye examinations, and the provision of free medications and eyeglasses.
The programme also integrates health insurance through the Ilera Eko scheme, encouraging residents to purchase health insurance for long-term benefits. “When people buy health insurance, they will not have to pay for certain drugs for a year,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of a healthy population for a robust economy.
Dr. Ogunyemi spoke on the broader social impact of the programme . “This initiative reflects Mr. Governor’s compassion and commitment to health and economic stability. We are also extending care to the vulnerable, including the homeless, the handicapped, and the elderly, ensuring they receive timely care through primary healthcare centers,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, underscored the initiative’s commitment to inclusive healthcare access.
Dr. Ogboye announced that the outreach covers 24 centres, each providing extensive healthcare services to residents. “We are using 24 centres, 24 points for this outreach. 100 people at each centre will receive free health insurance for one year,” he said. “These individuals are identified as vulnerable through a detailed questionnaire designed to determine their inability to afford treatment on their own.”
Dr. Ogboye emphasized the inclusive nature of their healthcare initiative, which aims to ensure no Lagos resident is left behind. He highlighted that 2,400 vulnerable individuals will directly benefit from this approach, alongside 24,000 residents who will receive free medications and treatments during the outreach. “Our mission is to guarantee universal healthcare access for every resident of Lagos,” he stated.
Dr. Ogboye emphasized the critical role of registering with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) in ensuring residents can access essential services. Highlighting the benefits of registration, he urged everyone to participate in this initiative to streamline service delivery and improve the overall efficiency of state resources.
The Alafia Eko Medical Outreach Programme is set to relaunch on June 16, promising a transformative impact on the health and prosperity of Lagos residents. This initiative aims to uplift the community, promoting a healthier lifestyle and bolstering economic stability for a brighter future in Lagos.
Signed
Tunbosun Ogunbanwo
Director, Public Affairs
30th May, 2024
