The Lagos State government, through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), has launched the Rural Health Scheme at Agboyi Ori Omi Community in the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

This initiative falls under the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Rural Health Insurance Initiative, a significant step towards expanding healthcare access to underserved communities.

The programme, launched in response to an Executive Order by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, seeks to ensure that every Lagos resident, regardless of location or social status, is covered under the state’s mandatory health insurance policy.

Through this initiative, LASHMA will deploy mobile clinics and ambulances to rural communities three times a week, complemented by partnerships with local tricycle operators to provide free emergency transportation for patients in need of urgent care.

Speaking at the flag-off, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the event as a “historic milestone” in the journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos State.

She commended the Governor for his unwavering commitment to social protection, noting that his approval of the Equity Fund had provided financial sustainability for health programmes targeted at the vulnerable.

Zamba explained that the Rural Health Scheme was designed to bridge the healthcare access gap for residents in hard-to-reach areas without functional Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

“The pilot phase of the project will be implemented in five communities across the three senatorial districts of Lagos — Agboyi Ori-Omi in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA (Lagos East Senatorial District); Iba Oloja in Ibeju-Lekki LGA (Lagos
East Senatorial District); Lafiaji and Okun Ajah in Eti-Osa LGA (Lagos Central Senatorial District); and Boglo in Badagry (Lagos West Senatorial District).”

“Mobile clinics equipped for basic primary healthcare will visit each pilot community three times a week to deliver consultations, treat common illnesses, manage chronic conditions, conduct laboratory investigations, and dispense essential drugs.”

“In cases where the Mobile Clinic cannot handle a medical issue, patients from Agboyi Ori-Omi will be referred to Mascara PHC in Ketu or Gbagada General Hospital at no cost to the patient, courtesy of arrangements made with Lagos Health District II and local transporters under LASHMA’s supervision,” she said

Zamba further announced that Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved free health insurance for 5,000 residents of Agboyi Ori-Omi under the EKOSHA Rural Health Scheme. Registration for the beneficiaries, according to her, would begin immediately and continue until Friday, November 14, 2025.

“We are bringing healthcare directly to your doorsteps,” she emphasised, urging community members to take full ownership of the programme.

“There are still communities without functional health facilities, but they deserve quality care like every other Lagosian,” she said. She noted that the Rural Health Scheme is fully funded through the Equity Fund, representing one per cent of the state’s consolidated revenue,” she stressed.

The EKOSHA Rural Health Scheme represents a significant step forward in Lagos State’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage, ensuring that even the most remote and riverine communities have access to quality healthcare services.

As the initiative expands across the state, it promises to transform health access for thousands of residents and strengthen Lagos’ reputation as a model for inclusive healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District II, Dr. Dayo Lajide, lauded the project, recalling that a recent medical outreach in Agboyi-Ketu revealed serious gaps in healthcare access.

Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. Yomi Ganiu, who represented the Council Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Adetola Adunni Abubakar assured that the LCDA would mobilise residents to register and utilise the services.

Delivering his remarks, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, the Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, described the free health programme as a blessing to the community, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his compassion and LASHMA for its dedication.