Lagos State Revives Free Medical Outreach ‘Alafia Eko’

The Lagos State Government has reintroduced its free medical outreach, “Alaafia Eko,” as part of its efforts to mitigate the impact of economic challenges on residents. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, announced the initiative at a press conference, explaining that it falls under the broader “Eko Cares” programme, which includes other relief measures such as the “Ounjè Eko” food subsidy and a 25% reduction in fares on public transportation services.

Dr. Ogunyemi revealed that the outreach would resume on August 20, 2024, at 12 designated centres across the six health districts in the state. The programme, which aims to provide essential healthcare services to over 50,000 residents, was first launched in May 2024, where thousands benefited from free medical check-ups, treatments, medications, and health insurance packages provided by the state government.

“Preparations for the resumption of the ‘Alaafia Eko’ medical outreach are now complete, and activities will begin at 12 centres across our six health districts,” Ogunyemi said, adding that the programme had been temporarily suspended due to a cholera outbreak, which has since been contained.

The outreach will be conducted at the following centres:

– Health District 1: Ikotun-Igando LCDA Secretariat, Ikotun Bus Stop; Meiran Motor Park, opposite Meiran PHC.
– Health District 2:  Igbogbo-Bayeku LCDA, Mikkson Onas Hall; Ikorodu North LCDA, Farm Settlement Community Primary School, Odogunyan.
– Health District 3:   Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Old School of Nursing; Eredo LCDA Secretariat.
– Health District 4:  Apapa LGA, Marian Academy; Surulere LGA, Surulere LG Secretariat.
– Health District 5:  Oriade LCDA Secretariat; Layeni PHC Compound.
– Health District 6:  Isolo LCDA, Ansar Ud Deen Primary School; Odi-Olowo LCDA, Ajenifuja Primary School.

The “Alaafia Eko” initiative was conceived by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as part of his administration’s Eko Cares agenda, designed to alleviate the rising costs of healthcare and medications for residents.