Lagos begins 2026 health checks for civil servants
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Lagos State Government has formally flagged off the 2026 Annual Medical Screening Programme for public servants, reaffirming its commitment to workers’ welfare, preventive healthcare, and improved productivity in the public service.
The programme, tagged “Public Servants, Know Your Numbers,” was officially launched on Tuesday at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja. It was led by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, who stressed the importance of routine medical checks in building a healthy and efficient workforce capable of sustaining Lagos State’s public service delivery standards.
He declared the exercise open and conducted an inspection of key health facilities, including the Lagos State Employee Wellness Centre (LASWELL), where he advocated stronger attention to mental health support for civil servants.
He commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for prioritising staff welfare, describing him as a “Talk and Do” leader whose administration remains committed to ensuring workers remain healthy, productive, and motivated.
According to him, “A healthy staff is a happy staff, and a happy staff is a productive staff,” adding that Lagos State’s leadership position in governance depends on the physical and mental well-being of its workforce.
He urged civil servants to take advantage of the screening exercise, noting that many illnesses are silent and can only be detected early through regular health checks. He disclosed that the initiative is continuous, with no fixed timeline, encouraging workers to routinely monitor key health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
The Head of Service further revealed that the government has provided funding for the programme, including the provision of free medications, while plans are ongoing to strengthen drug availability through private sector partnerships under corporate social responsibility initiatives.
He also emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare, urging workers to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise, proper diet, adequate rest, and stress management, noting that workplace pressure can contribute to serious health conditions.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at encouraging civil servants to take ownership of their health.
She explained that the “Know Your Numbers” campaign focuses on awareness of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, warning that many non-communicable diseases develop silently and are often detected at advanced stages.
She added that the initiative, supported by the Governor, the Commissioner for Health, and the Special Adviser on Health, ensures access to free screening services, with medical professionals including doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and physiotherapists, available for comprehensive care.
She further noted that the Directorate of Staff Health Services operates a walk-in system at the Folarin Coker Clinic, while critical cases identified during screening are referred for further treatment under the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme.
Earlier, the Director of Staff Health Services, Dr. Abdulrasheed Kolade, disclosed that the programme targets between 3,500 and 4,000 civil servants annually across 14 to 15 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
He explained that routine checks include blood pressure measurement, fasting blood sugar tests, and Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, while specialised screenings such as prostate tests for men above 45 and breast examinations for women are conducted where necessary.
Also speaking, Nursing Officer at LASWELL, Miss Olushola Callisto, highlighted the growing importance of mental health services within the programme, noting that the centre provides counselling, therapy, and psychiatric support for conditions such as stress, insomnia, and depression.
She said the centre operates an open-door policy and is intensifying awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage civil servants to seek mental health support as part of overall wellness.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Lagos State Council, Comrade Olusegun Balogun, commended the state government for expanding the screening programme, describing it as a significant step in safeguarding workers’ health.
He noted that regular medical screening promotes early detection and timely treatment of illnesses, adding that the shift to biannual checks represents a major improvement in staff welfare.
A beneficiary, Mrs. Funmi Daramola from the Public Service Office, expressed appreciation to the government, saying the programme has provided valuable health education and access to essential medical services.
She added that the initiative has helped civil servants better understand their health status and adopt healthier lifestyles, while commending the commitment of the Head of Service.
The 2026 health screening initiative is expected to further strengthen preventive healthcare delivery in Lagos State public service, while promoting productivity through a healthier workforce.