Lagos State government has reintroduced its free medical outreach known as “Alaafia Eko”.
The state government commenced the medical mission on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 12 designated centres across the six health districts.
The first phase of this outreach, which aims to provide healthcare services to over 50,000 residents took place on May 30, 2024.
During that phase, thousands of residents received free comprehensive medical check-ups, treatment, medication, and health insurance packages – courtesy of the state government.
Giving details on the outreach at a news conference held in Lagos, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi said it is all part of Eko Cares, the umbrella programme of the state government’s interventions to cushion the effects of the economic hardship.
She said, others include “Ounjè Eko”, the Sunday Market under which prices of basic food items were slashed by 25%, and the 25% fare cut on all government transportation platforms.
Ogunyemi said the programme will resume in 12 designated centres spread across the six health districts.
“We have finalized preparations to resume the “Alaafia Eko” medical outreach on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 12 centres across our six health districts. This outreach, which should have resumed earlier, was temporarily put on hold due to the cholera outbreak, which has now been successfully contained,” she said.
Ogunyemi listed the specific designated centres where the medical intervention would take place: Health District 1: Ikotun-Igando LCDA Secretariat, Ikotun Bus-Stop: Meiran Motor Park, opposite Meiran PHC, No. 1 Meiran Rd, Meiran Bus Stop, Lagos.
“Health District 2: Igbogbo-Bayeku LCDA, Mikkson Onas Hall, after Stadium, Bola Hammed Road, Igbogbo; Ikorodu North LCDA, Farm Settlement Community Primary School, Odogunyan.
‘’Health District 3: Ikoyi Obalende LCDA, Old School of Nursing, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi; Eredo LCDA, Eredo Local Council Development Area Secretariat, Eredo.
‘Health District 4; Apapa LGA, Marian Academy, 144 Gaskiya Road, Badia, Apapa-Iganmu; Surulere LGA, Surulere LG Secretariat, 24, Alhaji Masha Road, Surulere.
‘’Health District 5: Oriade LCDA Secretariat, Alh Baruwa Street, Satellite Town, Lagos; Layeni PHC Compound, 246, Ojo Road, Ajegunle.’’
‘’Health District 6:. Isolo LCDA, Ansar Ud Deen Primary School, Ile-Ibadan Bus Stop, Mushin Road, Isolo: Odi-Olowo LCDA, Ajenifuja Primary School No. 2, Ajenifuja Street, Mushin.’’
The initiative was conceived by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as part of his administration’s Eko Cares, a package of measures to alleviate the economic hardship faced by residents.
“Alaafia Eko” is specifically designed to address the rising costs of medications and healthcare services.