…LASHMA Unveils Mobile Clinics, Tricycle Ambulance System
…Community Leaders, Residents Praise Inclusive Healthcare Drive
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) on Tuesday flagged off the Rural Health Scheme under the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Rural Health Insurance Initiative at Agboyi Ori Omi Community, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, a strategic move to expand healthcare access to underserved communities.
The programme, launched in response to an Executive Order by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, seeks to ensure that every Lagos resident regardless of location or social status is covered under the state’s mandatory health insurance policy. Through the initiative, LASHMA will deploy mobile clinics and ambulances to rural communities three times weekly, complemented by partnerships with local tricycle operators to provide free emergency transportation for patients in need of urgent care.
Speaking at the flag-off, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, described the event as a “historic milestone” in the journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos State. She commended the Governor for his unwavering commitment to social protection, noting that his approval of the Equity Fund had provided financial sustainability for health programmes targeted at the vulnerable.
Dr. Zamba explained that the Rural Health Scheme was designed to bridge the healthcare access gap for residents in hard-to-reach areas without functional Primary Health Centres (PHCs). According to her, the pilot phase of the project will be implemented in five communities across the three senatorial districts of Lagos. These include, Agboyi Ori-Omi in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA (Lagos East Senatorial District); Iba Oloja in Ibeju-Lekki LGA (Lagos East Senatorial District); Lafiaji and Okun Ajah in Eti-Osa LGA (Lagos Central Senatorial District); and Boglo in Badagry (Lagos West Senatorial District).
She disclosed that mobile clinics equipped for basic primary healthcare will visit each pilot community three times a week to deliver consultations, treat common illnesses, manage chronic conditions, conduct laboratory investigations, and dispense essential drugs. In cases where the Mobile Clinic cannot handle a medical issue, patients from Agboyi Ori-Omi will be referred to Mascara PHC in Ketu or Gbagada General Hospital at no cost to the patient, courtesy of arrangements made with Lagos Health District II and local transporters under LASHMA’s supervision.
Zamba further announced that Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved free health insurance for 5,000 residents of Agboyi Ori-Omi under the EKOSHA Rural Health Scheme. Registration for the beneficiaries, she said, would begin immediately and continue until Friday, November 14. “We are bringing healthcare directly to your doorsteps,” she emphasized, urging community members to take full ownership of the programme.
In an interview with journalists, Dr. Zamba reiterated that the initiative was born out of the desire to ensure inclusivity in healthcare delivery. “There are still communities without functional health facilities, but they deserve quality care like every other Lagosian,” she said. She noted that the Rural Health Scheme is fully funded through the Equity Fund, representing one percent of the state’s consolidated revenue.
Also, speaking, Dr. Dayo Lajide, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District II, lauded the project, recalling that a recent medical outreach in Agboyi-Ketu revealed serious gaps in healthcare access. “When we reported this to Mr. Governor, he immediately directed that the Rural Health Scheme commence here,” he said. Lajide praised LASHMA for its efficient execution and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring no community is left behind.
Similarly, Hon. Yomi Ganiu, Vice Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, who represented the Council Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Adetola Adunni Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the state government for choosing Agboyi as the flag-off point. He assured that the LCDA would mobilize residents to register and utilise the services. “This initiative demonstrates true governance with a human face,” he said.
Delivering his remarks, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, the Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, described the event as a “new dawn” for his people. He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his compassion and LASHMA for its dedication. “The mobile free health programme is a blessing to our community. I urge my people to embrace and safeguard it,” the monarch said.
In an interview, Oba Oladega expressed optimism that the Rural Health Scheme would bridge the gap pending the rehabilitation of Agboyi’s health centre. “The Governor has graciously approved that 5,000 residents be registered for free healthcare. This is a great opportunity for us,” he added, assuring that his people would cooperate fully with the state government.
Also delivering a goodwill message, Oba Isiaka Balogun Oyero, the Oba of Ketu Kingdom, hailed the initiative as a testament to responsive governance. “The government listened to our needs after the medical outreach held six weeks ago and acted swiftly. This shows a government that truly cares for its people,” he remarked.
Speaking on the operational details, Dr. Olugbenga Fadipe, Head of ILERA EKO Medical Services at LASHMA, explained that the EKOSHA Mobile Clinic would provide treatment for common ailments such as malaria, fever, and diarrhoea, as well as routine immunisations and preventive healthcare. Patients requiring advanced care, he said, would be referred to Ketu PHC or Gbagada General Hospital.
To ease referrals, Fadipe noted that LASHMA had entered partnerships with local tricycle operators to convey patients to designated facilities at no cost, with the agency covering all transport expenses. “No Lagosian should be denied medical care because of distance or poverty,” he declared.
]The event featured cultural displays and enthusiastic participation by community members, many of whom registered on the spot for the free healthcare coverage. High point of the event was the launch of the mobile clinic and on-site consultations and screenings as the mobile clinic commenced operations immediately after the formal flag-off.
