Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has flagged off the Rural Health Scheme, an initiative designed to provide free health insurance and improved healthcare access to underserved communities across the state.
The programme, implemented through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) under the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA), was inaugurated on Tuesday at Agboyi Ori-Omi Community in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The initiative, which aligns with the governor’s Executive Order on universal health coverage, will ensure that no resident is excluded from essential healthcare services due to distance or economic status.
Under the scheme, mobile clinics and ambulances will visit rural communities three times weekly, while local tricycle operators will provide free emergency transportation for patients in need of urgent care.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the initiative as “a historic milestone in Lagos’ journey toward universal health coverage.”
“This project reflects the governor’s compassion and vision to make healthcare accessible to all Lagosians, no matter where they live. We are bringing healthcare directly to people’s doorsteps,” she said.
According to her, the pilot phase will run in five communities across the state’s three senatorial districts Agboyi Ori-Omi in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA; Iba Oloja in Ibeju-Lekki LGA; Lafiaji and Okun Ajah in Eti-Osa LGA; and Boglo in Badagry.
“Mobile clinics equipped for primary healthcare will visit each pilot community three times a week to deliver consultations, treat common illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and dispense essential drugs,” she explained.
“In cases where the mobile clinics cannot handle a medical situation, patients from Agboyi Ori-Omi will be referred to Mascara PHC in Ketu or Gbagada General Hospital at no cost, courtesy of arrangements made with Health District II and local transporters,” she added.
Dr 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 beneficiaries will begin immediately and continue until Friday, Nov. 14. We urge residents to take ownership of this opportunity — healthcare is now at your doorstep,” she said.
She also explained that the Rural Health Scheme was fully funded through the state’s Equity Fund, which represents one per cent of Lagos State’s consolidated revenue.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District II, Dr Dayo Lajide, commended the project, noting that a recent medical outreach in Agboyi-Ketu had revealed significant gaps in healthcare access.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. Yomi Ganiu, who represented the Council Chairman Mrs Adetola Adunni Abubakar, pledged the council’s support in mobilising residents to register and make effective use of the services.
In his remarks, the Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, Oba Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for his compassion and thanked LASHMA for its dedication to community health.
“This free health programme is a blessing to our people. It shows that government truly cares about even the most remote communities,” the monarch said.
The EKOSHA Rural Health Scheme is part of the state’s broader effort to achieve universal health coverage and improve healthcare equity across all communities in Lagos.
