By Peter Dansu Hundreds of residents from Ojogun and Oko-Agbo, two riverine communities, yesterday, in Olorunda Local Council Development A...
By Peter Dansu
Hundreds of residents from Ojogun and Oko-Agbo, two riverine communities, yesterday, in Olorunda Local Council Development Area, turned out in large numbers to benefit from a free medical outreach and enrolment into the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, Ìlera Èkó.
The twin intervention was organised by Olorunda LCDA in partnership with Lagos State Health District V as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for residents living in hard-to-reach communities.
While doctors, nurses and other health professionals attended to patients, officials of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) and the EKO Social Health Alliance (EKO-SHA) simultaneously registered eligible residents for the state's health insurance scheme, allowing beneficiaries to continue enjoying healthcare services after the outreach.
The free medical mission offered a wide range of services, including malaria diagnosis and treatment, eye screening with free prescription glasses, HIV/AIDS screening, hepatitis screening, blood sugar tests, blood pressure checks and medical consultations.
Speaking during the outreach, the Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, described quality and affordable healthcare as a major priority of his administration and a key component of his RESHAPE Agenda.
He commended the Lagos State Ministry of Health for collaborating with the council to bring the outreach to the riverine communities and urged residents to make routine medical check-ups part of their lifestyle for early detection and treatment of illnesses.
Ajose also assured residents of Ojogun that his administration would work with the Leader of the Olorunda Legislative Council and Councillor representing the ward, Hon. Dauda Aina, to address the community's request for a town hall.
Speaking at the commissioning of a community boat donated to improve transportation in the riverine communities, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District IV, Dr. Oladipo Asiyanbi, praised ActionAid Nigeria and Olorunda LCDA for the initiative.
He said the boat would ease movement for residents, especially schoolchildren and those travelling to health facilities, while urging the community to safeguard the facility for the benefit of all.
Dr. Asiyanbi also commended the partnership between the Lagos State Government and Olorunda LCDA for extending free healthcare and the Ìlera Èkó registration exercise to underserved communities, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of the government's commitment to inclusive healthcare.
Residents from Ojogun, Oko-Agbo and neighbouring riverine settlements expressed appreciation to the state government and Olorunda LCDA, saying the outreach saved them the cost and stress of travelling long distances to access medical services and health insurance registration.
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