… Outreach Centres Witness Massive Turnout
… Beneficiaries Praise Sanwo-Olu
Thousands of Lagosians turned out on Thursday for the Free Medical Outreach organised by the Lagos State Government at all the 24 centres across the State. Residents of Lagos were eager to benefit from the various free medical services initiated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
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 emphasised the division of primary healthcare centres into six districts to ensure all Lagos residents have access to affordable and quality healthcare, noting that the structural organisation is crucial for reaching every citizen effectively.
Dr. Ogunyemi detailed the origins of the Alafia Eko initiative, stressing that it was 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, according to her, 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 initiatives address the rising costs of medications and healthcare services.
She stated that the Alafia Eko aims to serve 24,000 citizens across 24 units in six districts, with each unit expected to attend to 1,000 residents.
While pointing out that the programme is also designed to integrate health insurance through the Ilera Eko scheme and encourage residents to purchase health insurance for long-term benefits, Dr. Ogunyemi said the government will extend health care to the vulnerable, including the homeless, the handicapped, and the elderly by ensuring that they receive timely care through primary healthcare centres.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye underscored the initiative’s commitment to inclusive healthcare access.
He announced that the outreach covers 24 centres, each providing extensive healthcare services to residents, saying “We are using 24 centres, 24 points for this outreach. 100 people at each centre will receive free health insurance for one year. These individuals are identified as vulnerable through a detailed questionnaire designed to determine their inability to afford treatment on their own”.
He highlighted that the approach will benefit 2,400 vulnerable individuals, in addition to the 24,000 residents receiving free drugs and treatments during the outreach.
Dr. Ogboye stressed the importance of registration with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) to facilitate access to the services.
The Alafia Eko Medical Outreach Programme will reopen on June 16. The initiative is poised to significantly improve the health and well-being of Lagos residents, fostering a healthier and more economically stable community.
Some of the outreach Centres are Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island; Astroturf Stadium Airways, Apapa; Aguda Praying Ground, Surulere; Evans Square, Ebute Meta; Epe Recreation Centre, Epe LGA; Iberekodo Primary School, Ibeju-Lekki LGA and Imota Primary School in Eti-Osa LGA among others.
