The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, has enrolled 150 residents of Badagry in the free Ilera Eko health insurance scheme. The enrollment is part of his efforts to relieve the residents of the present economic hardship in the country. The scheme is aimed at providing free medical treatment to Lagos residents who cannot afford the service. Speaking before the distribution of the scheme identification cards, Ogunlende said that the idea was for the residents to benefit from it and get treated free in hospitals in Lagos.
Ogunlende, who is also the Pioneer of Real Acts of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation, said that the scheme has been paid for by him, and it is just for the residents to take advantage of it. He said that the second pillar in the developmental plan of the administration of Gov. Sanwo-Olu, as encapsulated in the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, is Health and Environment. He also urged the residents of Badagry to take the opportunity provided by the insurance scheme and make use of it.
Mr Ebenezer Toyon, the National Coordinator, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), said that the agency and the Office of Civic Engagement on Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (Ilera Eko) in the 20 Local Government Areas of the State were also collaborating on the scheme. He said that the scheme is aimed at promoting Ilera Eko Health plan and also scaling up the grassroots enrolment of Lagos residents on the scheme. He commended Ogunlende for registering 150 people, saying that it is commendable.
Mr Linus Onyegbuchi, one of the beneficiaries, said that it had been difficult for him to go for medical checkup at General Hospital, Badagry, but with the scheme, he would be going from time to time. He commended Ogunlende for the gesture and promised that he would vote for All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship election.
The free medical scheme is a laudable initiative, especially in a country where the cost of healthcare is beyond the reach of many people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 90% of Nigeria's population lack access to basic healthcare services. The Ilera Eko health insurance scheme will provide free medical treatment to Lagos residents who cannot afford the service, thus reducing the burden of out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare.
The enrollment of 150 residents in the free health insurance scheme is a commendable effort by Ogunlende. It shows that he is committed to improving the health and well-being of the people of Lagos. It is expected that other government officials and private individuals will emulate his gesture by enrolling people in the scheme.
It is also important to note that the free medical scheme will promote preventive healthcare by encouraging people to go for regular medical checkups. Regular medical checkups will help in the early detection of diseases and prompt treatment, which will reduce the mortality rate from preventable diseases.