The Lagos State Government has launched a new Rural Health Scheme designed to deliver quality healthcare to residents of underserved and riverine communities across the state.
The scheme, implemented through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), was officially flagged off at Agboyi Ori-Omi Community in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA). It operates under the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Rural Health Insurance Initiative, which aims to expand access to affordable and sustainable healthcare in remote areas.
The programme, introduced in line with an Executive Order by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, seeks to ensure that every Lagos resident — regardless of income or location — is covered under the state’s mandatory health insurance scheme.
Under the initiative, LASHMA will deploy mobile clinics and ambulances to designated communities three times weekly. The plan also includes collaboration with local tricycle operators to provide free emergency transport for patients requiring urgent medical attention.
In a statement signed by Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, the event was described as a “historic milestone” in Lagos’ journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“We are bringing healthcare directly to your doorsteps,” Dr. Zamba said. “This initiative ensures that no Lagosian, regardless of location, is left behind in accessing quality care.”
She commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his sustained investment in social protection and for approving the Equity Fund, which provides financial backing for health programmes targeted at the poor and vulnerable.
Dr. Zamba explained that the pilot phase of the project would run across five communities representing the state’s three senatorial districts — Agboyi Ori-Omi in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA (Lagos East), Iba Oloja in Ibeju-Lekki LGA (Lagos East), Lafiaji and Okun Ajah in Eti-Osa LGA (Lagos Central), and Boglo in Badagry (Lagos West).
She stated that mobile clinics, equipped for primary healthcare services, would visit each community three times a week to provide consultations, treatment for common illnesses, chronic disease management, laboratory testing, and essential drugs.
“Where cases require further management, patients will be referred to Mascara PHC in Ketu or Gbagada General Hospital at no cost, under an arrangement with Lagos Health District II and local transporters,” she added.
Dr. Zamba further revealed that Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved free health insurance for 5,000 residents of Agboyi Ori-Omi, with registration commencing immediately and ending on Friday, November 14, 2025.
She reaffirmed that the Rural Health Scheme is funded through the Equity Fund, which represents one percent of Lagos State’s consolidated revenue, stressing that the state is determined to make healthcare inclusive and equitable.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District II, Dr. Dayo Lajide, praised the initiative, noting that previous medical outreaches in Agboyi-Ketu had revealed serious healthcare access gaps that the new scheme now seeks to address.
Also speaking, Hon. Yomi Ganiu, Vice Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, who represented the Council Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Adetola Adunni Abubakar, pledged full community cooperation and mobilisation to ensure the programme’s success.
In his royal remarks, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, the Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, hailed the free health scheme as “a divine blessing” to the people of Agboyi, commending Governor Sanwo-Olu and LASHMA for their compassion and commitment to community wellbeing.
The EKOSHA Rural Health Scheme represents a bold stride in Lagos State’s push for universal health access, ensuring that even the most remote communities can enjoy quality medical care and social protection.
