The Lagos State Government has announced the planned commencement of another round of its free medical expedition programme, tagged: “The Eko Health Mission.”
The mission will offer free health services to residents, including consultation and treatment for common ailments, as well as screening for hypertension, diabetes, eye care and provision of eye glasses, dental care, family planning services, HIV counseling and testing amongst others.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, in a press statement released over the weekend noted that the Eko Health Mission programme will hold between May 15 and August 31, 2018 visiting selected local government and local council development areas of the State for three days each.
It will start from Ajeromi Local Government Secretariat from May 15 to 17, 2018; Iba Local Council Development Secretariat, May 22 to 24, 2018; and Apapa-Ignamu Local Government Secretariat on May 30 to June 1, 2018 at 9am daily.
Idris added: “Other Local Government And Local Council Development Areas to be visited during the free medical expedition programme are Oriade, Lagos-Mainland, Lekki, Ejigbo, Ikoyi Obalende, Ikosi-Isheri, Ikosi-Ejirin and Agbado-Oke Odo local government and local council development areas.”
Explaining the rationale for embarking on the programme by the State Government, the Commissioner said free health missions were embarked upon to serve as alternative source to increasing access to healthcare delivery, especially to the people at the grassroots.
He said: “The State Government is continuously finding ways to improve the health status of its ever-increasing population and the plan for achieving this is based on the health policy thrust which is guided by the noble goal that every Lagosian enjoys unfettered access to qualitative healthcare without any barrier whatsoever.”
Idris disclosed that the strategies adopted in implementing these policies include the introduction and provision of various programs that have direct impact on the health outcome of Lagosians, stressing that these programmes are geared towards promoting health, detecting diseases early and offering treatment and rehabilitation.
While noting the Health Missions are short-term interventions, Idris stated that the programme is geared towards the strategic development plan of ensuring universal health coverage, adding that it provides services that take health care to the doorsteps of its citizens at no cost to the people.
“These health missions are significant because they enable this administration to provide healthcare services to all who come irrespective of their age, gender, socioeconomic status and affiliations,” he added.
The Commissioner noted that the periodic organization of the free health missions is meant to also compliment the normal health delivery services in the State with the objective of addressing the pressing health issues of the rural communities in line with the State Government’s free health policy.
While reiterating the commitment of the State Government to the wellbeing of the residents, Idris urged all residents of Lagos, especially residents of areas to be visited, to take advantage of the programme and benefit from expert care for common ailments and other free health services, including provision free medications, eye glasses and health talk on good oral, personal and environmental hygiene and many more.
The Commissioner noted that the medical teams providing these services are competent professionals committed to ensuring that the mandate of the state government is fully realized.