In a decisive move to expand healthcare access to underserved and riverine communities, the Lagos State Government has launched the Rural Health Scheme under the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) initiative.
The programme was formally flagged off at Agboyi Ori Omi Community, Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), with 5,000 residents set to benefit from free health insurance.
The initiative, implemented through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), is a direct response to an Executive Order by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, mandating universal healthcare coverage for all residents, regardless of social or economic status.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the scheme as “a historic milestone in Lagos State’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”
She noted that the programme would deploy mobile clinics and ambulances to rural and riverine communities three times weekly, with additional support from local tricycle operators providing free emergency transportation for patients in need of urgent care.
According to Dr. Zamba, the pilot phase of the Rural Health Scheme will be rolled out across five communities spanning the three senatorial districts of Lagos:
Agboyi Ori Omi in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA (Lagos East),
Iba Oloja in Ibeju-Lekki (Lagos East),
Lafiaji and Okun Ajah in Eti-Osa (Lagos Central), and Boglo in Badagry (Lagos West).
“Mobile clinics equipped for basic primary healthcare will visit each community three times a week to deliver consultations, treat common illnesses, manage chronic conditions, conduct laboratory investigations, and dispense essential drugs,” she explained.
For cases beyond the capacity of the mobile clinics, Dr. Zamba said patients from Agboyi Ori Omi would be referred to Mascara PHC in Ketu or Gbagada General Hospital at no cost, courtesy of partnerships with Lagos Health District II and local transport operators under LASHMA’s coordination.
Announcing the Governor’s approval of free health insurance for 5,000 residents under the EKOSHA Rural Health Scheme, she said registration would begin immediately and continue until Friday, November 14, 2025.
“We are bringing healthcare directly to your doorsteps,” she said. “There are still communities without functional health facilities, but they deserve quality care like every other Lagosian.”
Dr. Zamba added that the scheme is fully funded through the Lagos State Equity Fund, which represents one percent of the state’s consolidated revenue, ensuring the sustainability of health programmes targeted at vulnerable groups.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District II, Dr. Dayo Lajide, commended the initiative, noting that a recent medical outreach in Agboyi-Ketu exposed glaring gaps in healthcare access in the area.
The Vice Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. Yomi Ganiu, who represented the Council Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Adetola Adunni Abubakar, pledged the council’s full support.
