By Lateef Odegbenle
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), has flagged off the Rural Health Scheme at Agboyi Ori Omi Community in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The initiative, under the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Rural Health Insurance Scheme, aims to expand healthcare access to underserved communities across the state.
Launched in response to an Executive Order by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the programme 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, with support from local tricycle operators providing free emergency transportation for patients needing urgent care.
Speaking at the flag-off, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the event as a “historic milestone” in the state’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
She commended the Governor for his unwavering commitment to social protection, noting that his approval of the Equity Fund had ensured financial sustainability for programmes targeting the vulnerable.
According to Dr. Zamba, the Rural Health Scheme is designed to bridge the healthcare access gap in hard-to-reach areas without functional Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
“The pilot phase of the project will be implemented in five communities across the three senatorial districts of Lagos — Agboyi Ori-Omi in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA (Lagos East); Iba Oloja in Ibeju-Lekki LGA (Lagos East); Lafiaji and Okun Ajah in Eti-Osa LGA (Lagos Central); and Boglo in Badagry (Lagos West),” she explained.
“Mobile clinics equipped for basic primary healthcare will visit each pilot community three times weekly 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, courtesy of arrangements with Lagos Health District II and local transporters under LASHMA supervision,” she added.
Dr. Zamba also 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 beneficiaries, she said, would continue until Friday, November 14, 2025.
“We are bringing healthcare directly to your doorsteps,” she emphasized, urging community members to take full ownership of the programme.
She noted that the Rural Health Scheme is fully funded through the Equity Fund, representing one percent of the state’s consolidated revenue.
The EKOSHA Rural Health Scheme stands as a bold step in Lagos State’s drive to achieve universal health coverage, ensuring that even the most remote and riverine communities have access to quality healthcare.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District II, Dr. Dayo Lajide, lauded the project, recalling that a recent medical outreach in Agboyi-Ketu revealed serious gaps in healthcare access.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. Yomi Ganiu, who represented the Council Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Adetola Adunni Abubakar, assured that the LCDA would mobilize residents to register and utilize the services.
READ ALSO:36 States, FCT Set for Lagos as NEC Approves Maiden Nigerian Foods; Culture Festival for December
In his remarks, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, the Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, described the free health programme as a blessing to the community and commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his compassion and LASHMA for its dedication.
