LAGOS Brings Back Free Medical Outreach “ALAAFIA EKO”
The Lagos State Government’s free medical outreach *Alaafia Eko*, is set to resume on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 12 designated centres across the six health districts.
The initial phase of this outreach, designed to offer healthcare services to more than 50,000 residents, took place on May 30, 2024.
In that phase, thousands of residents received free comprehensive medical check-ups, treatment, medication, and health insurance packages – courtesy of the State Government. It is all part of Eko Cares, the umbrella programme of the state government’s interventions to cushion the effects of the economic hardship.
Additional examples 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.
Providing details about the outreach at a news conference held this weekend, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Health, Dr. (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi stated that 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.
The initiative was introduced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as part of his administration’s Eko Cares programme, 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.
Dr. Ogunyemi urged residents to take advantage of the initiative by visiting the designated centres near them from 9am to receive basic medical care.
The services offered at the centres include free blood sugar and blood pressure checks, treatment of minor ailments, free medications, HIV counselling and testing, health insurance registration, free eye checks and eyeglasses, health talks and counseling.
Beneficiaries will also be able to register for the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) card. This is also free of charge.
Dr. Ogunyemi outlined 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, Ansarudeen Primary School, Ile-Ibadan Bus Stop, Mushin Road, Isolo.
Odi-Olowo LCDA, Ajenifuja Primary School No. 2, Ajenifuja Street, Mushin.
Signed
Tunbosun Ogunbanwo
Director, Public Affairs
17th August, 2024
