The Lagos State Government has successfully resumed the second phase of its free medical outreach, known as “Alaafia Eko,” across 12 designated centers spread over the six health districts of the state. This initiative, which was temporarily halted due to the cholera outbreak that has now been contained, witnessed an overwhelming turnout of elated residents eager to access a wide range of medical services.
The outreach, which aims to provide free healthcare to residents, offered services such as blood pressure and blood sugar checks, HIV counseling and testing, eye examinations, and the distribution of free medications and eyeglasses. Additionally, attendees received free consultations, treatment for basic ailments, and registration for the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme.
The second phase of the program was officially flagged-off at the Old Nursing School Complex in Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA and the Surulere Local Government Secretariat. Dignitaries present included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi, and the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye. They were accompanied on the tour of the Ikoyi-Obalende site by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke and the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba. Meanwhile, the tour of the Surulere site saw the presence of the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District IV, Dr. Abimbola Bowale and Chairman of Surulere Local Government Hon. Sulaiman Yusuf.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ogunyemi highlighted the economic challenges faced by residents, which have made healthcare increasingly unaffordable. She emphasized that the “Alaafia Eko” initiative, under the umbrella of the state’s “Eko Cares” program, was designed to address these challenges by providing free healthcare services to all residents. “We believe prevention is better than cure,” she said, underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment.
The outreach, she noted, is strategically spread across all six health districts to ensure maximum reach. Dr. Ogunyemi also stressed the importance of residents registering for the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme, which is crucial for continued access to affordable healthcare services beyond the outreach.
At the Surulere site, Dr. Ogunyemi expressed her satisfaction with the turnout, noting that over 700 people had already registered by the time of their arrival. She commended the local government for its proactive efforts in adding tuberculosis (TB) and human papillomavirus (HPV) screenings to the services offered, further enhancing the outreach’s impact.
Dr. Ogboye, in his remarks at the Ikoyi-Obalende site, added that the outreach serves as a vital opportunity to enroll more residents in the Ilera Eko scheme. He praised the logistical efforts involved in organising such a large-scale program, noting that the first phase had successfully reached over 24,000 residents, and the second phase aims to reach an additional 12,000.
Permanent Secretary of Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, emphasised the outreach’s role in promoting health-seeking behavior among Lagos residents. She pointed out that despite the state having 329 Primary Health Centers (PHCs), many residents still prefer visiting general hospitals. The “Alaafia Eko” initiative aims to reverse this trend by bringing healthcare closer to the people.
Permanent Secretary of Health District IV, Dr. Abimbola Bowale echoed similar sentiments during his visit to the Surulere site. He noted that the overwhelming response from residents demonstrated the importance of the outreach and the need for continued government support in healthcare provision.
Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Hon. Sulaiman Yusuf, expressed his gratitude to the state government, noting that the initiative had greatly benefited the people of Surulere. He highlighted the importance of health to the well-being of the community and expressed hope that the outreach would continue to be a regular feature in the state’s healthcare agenda.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been lauded by residents for this free medical outreach initiative.
At the Ikoyi-Obalende screening site, several beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and satisfaction with the services received.
Mr. Babatunde Ojo, a resident who had struggled with vision issues, said, “I was having an eye defect and couldn’t read small lettering. But now that I’ve gotten these glasses after the test, I can read clearly and see very, very well. I advise every Lagos resident to take advantage of such health programs. This is reality, not mediocrity. I’m here as a beneficiary and I’m saying thank you to the Lagos State government and our governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. God bless you, and God bless Lagos State.”
Rebecca Stephen, another beneficiary, commended the initiative, saying, “I came here for a medical check-up due to my eye challenge. They’ve given me some drugs and advice on managing my condition. I’ll be visiting the hospital regularly for follow-ups. I’m grateful to Governor Sanwo-Olu for what he’s been doing for us. It’s not easy, but we appreciate it. Thank you, sir.”
Mrs. Becky Yusuf, who attended the screening for the first time, shared her experience, saying, “I have an eye problem, which is why I came. They gave me glasses and eye drops. I’m very grateful to Governor Sanwo-Olu. This is my first time seeing a doctor for my eyes, and I didn’t have to pay anything.”
Mr. Eric Edem, who came to the site for malaria treatment, expressed his relief, saying, “I came for malaria treatment, and I was surprised that everything was free. I’m grateful because, with the current cost of things, it’s a relief to get free medical care. The doctor tested me, asked questions, and gave me the necessary medicine. I’m happy and thankful to Governor Sanwo-Olu for this opportunity.”
An elderly woman, Mrs. Titilayo Elemosho, also shared her experience after receiving care for general body pain. Speaking in Yoruba, she said, “I came to see the doctor for body pain. The doctor prescribed drugs for me, and I received them for free. I was well attended to. Thank you, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.”
The testimonials from these beneficiaries highlight the positive impact of the free medical screening initiative, underscoring the state government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services to all Lagosians, especially those in economically disadvantaged areas.
As the second phase of the “Alaafia Eko” outreach draws to a close, the state government is already considering future rounds, based on the data collected and the feedback received from residents. The initiative is poised to remain a critical component of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES agenda, particularly in ensuring that no resident is left behind in the quest for accessible and affordable healthcare.
The outreach not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also serves as a platform for educating residents on the importance of health insurance and regular medical check-ups. With the success of the first and second phases, the “Alaafia Eko” initiative is set to become a cornerstone of the state’s public health strategy.
