The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has flagged off the Rural Health Scheme under the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) initiative.
The pilot programme, launched at the Agboyi Ori Omi Community in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), is a direct response to an Executive Order by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
It aims to integrate residents in hard-to-reach areas into the state’s mandatory health insurance policy, with 5,000 residents of Agboyi Ori-Omi approved for immediate free medical coverage.
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The initiative is designed to bridge the healthcare access gap for communities without functional Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
The key operational features of the initiative include the deployment of mobile clinics equipped to provide basic primary healthcare.
These clinics will visit each pilot community three times a week to offer medical consultations, treat common illnesses, manage chronic conditions, conduct laboratory tests, and dispense essential drugs.
In addition, the scheme provides free referrals and transportation for patients in need of advanced medical care.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has partnered with local tricycle operators to offer free emergency transport from the mobile clinics to designated healthcare facilities such as Mascara PHC in Ketu and Gbagada General Hospital.
All transportation and advanced care costs for referred patients under the scheme will be fully covered by the government.
Speaking at the launch, LASHMA Permanent Secretary, Emmanuella Zamba, described the event as a “historic milestone” toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos State.
She noted that the program is fully funded through the Equity Fund, which draws from one per cent of the state’s consolidated revenue, ensuring financial sustainability for interventions targeting the vulnerable.
Zamba emphasised that the initiative was born out of a desire to ensure inclusivity, stating, “We are bringing healthcare directly to your doorsteps.”
Registration for the 5,000 free health insurance beneficiaries in Agboyi Ori-Omi is scheduled to begin immediately and run until Friday, November 14.
The pilot phase of the Rural Health Scheme will be implemented in five communities across the three senatorial districts.
In Lagos East, the scheme will cover Agboyi Ori-Omi in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA and Iba Oloja in Ibeju-Lekki LGA.
In Lagos Central, it will be implemented in Lafiaji and Okun Ajah, both in Eti-Osa LGA. In Lagos West, the programme will reach Boglo in Badagry.
The project was heavily praised by community leaders. The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District II, Dayo Lajide, confirmed that Sanwo-Olu directed the scheme to commence in Agboyi-Ketu following reports of serious healthcare gaps revealed during a recent medical outreach.
His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Monsuru Oladega, the Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, hailed the initiative as a “new dawn,” urging his people to embrace and safeguard the mobile free health programme.
The Vice Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Yomi Ganiu, also assured the government of the council’s full cooperation in mobilising residents to register.
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The event ended with the formal launch of the mobile clinic, followed by immediate on-site consultations and screenings for the community members.
The EKOSHA Rural Health Scheme represents a significant step in Lagos State’s drive to ensure that all residents, regardless of location, have access to quality healthcare services.
