The Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State has continued to expand its healthcare outreach, with thousands of residents reportedly benefiting from free consultations, surgeries, screenings, and health insurance under its Free Medical Mission initiative.

Speaking in Lagos during an interactive session with journalists, Chairman of the LCDA, Rasaq Olushola Ajala, said the initiative was developed to provide accessible medical care to underserved populations across the council area.

“Our Free Medical Mission was conceived and carefully executed in these past seven years plus with the single objective of ensuring that our people have access to quality medical care at little or no cost,” Ajala said.

According to him, the programme—carried out in partnership with medical organisations—offers routine screening and treatment for common ailments, maternal and child health services, nutritional support, and surgical interventions, particularly for the elderly. Residents have also received free eyeglasses and undergone eye surgeries.

A recent phase of the initiative saw over 200 residents receive prescription glasses, while nearly 100 others underwent corrective eye procedures.

The LCDA also operates a mobile clinic scheme, delivering medical care through roving ambulances to elderly or physically challenged individuals unable to reach the council’s health centres.

“Through this programme, we provide free medical care to the elderly and the weak who may not be able to go to the Primary Healthcare Centres in our Council,” Ajala explained.

In addition to mobile clinics, the LCDA offers free health insurance aimed at guaranteeing access during emergencies. Priority care is also extended to persons with disabilities.

Community members and health workers have praised the initiative. “The initiative has been rated as highly successful by the people because so many have benefited from different aspects of the programme,” said Helen Omogui, a nurse and resident of Ilupeju.

Infrastructure development has accompanied the programme, with major upgrades carried out at health centres in Coker, Ayantuga, Anikulapo, and Kajola. One of the LCDA’s flagship projects is the Ajisegiri Health Centre, which was constructed on a site previously plagued by criminal activity.

“To call that facility a Primary Health Centre is a misuse of terms. That Centre compares favourably with many general hospitals,” said Ganiyu Oluade, a resident of the Ajisegiri community.

Ajala stated that the Free Medical Mission forms part of a broader strategy to improve public health infrastructure and services. “It comes as a total healthcare package… we are not in doubt that we are leaving behind a legacy that will for long be remembered by our people in the health sector,” he said.