Sanwo-Olu Launches Free Rural Health Insurance Scheme in Agboyi-Ketu

The Lagos State Government has launched a comprehensive Rural Health Scheme aimed at delivering free healthcare access to underserved communities, starting with Agboyi Ori-Omi in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

The initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) under the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA), follows an Executive Order by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to extend the state’s health insurance coverage to rural and riverine communities.

At the flag-off ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the event as a milestone in the journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos. She noted that the scheme, fully funded through the state’s Equity Fund, was designed to reach residents in areas without functional primary healthcare centres.

Zamba explained that mobile clinics and ambulances would operate in selected rural communities three times weekly, supported by local tricycle operators who will provide free emergency transportation for patients. According to her, five communities, Agboyi Ori-Omi (Kosofe), Iba Oloja (Ibeju-Lekki), Lafiaji and Okun Ajah (Eti-Osa), and Boglo (Badagry) are included in the pilot phase.

She also announced the Governor’s approval of free health insurance for 5,000 residents of Agboyi Ori-Omi, with registration expected to run through November 14. “This initiative brings quality healthcare to people who have long been neglected due to distance or financial constraints,” she said.

Supporting her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District II, Dr. Dayo Lajide, commended the Governor for his quick response after a previous medical outreach exposed health challenges in the area. “The Rural Health Scheme was born from the Governor’s directive to ensure no Lagosian is left behind,” he said.

The Vice Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. Yomi Ganiu, representing the Council Chairman, thanked the state government for selecting Agboyi as the flag-off community, promising full cooperation and mobilisation of residents.

Traditional leaders, including the Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, Oba Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, and the Oba of Ketu Kingdom, Oba Isiaka Balogun Oyero, applauded the initiative as a life-changing development for their people. Both monarchs pledged to support and protect the project to ensure sustainability.

According to Dr. Olugbenga Fadipe, Head of ILERA EKO Medical Services, the EKOSHA mobile clinics will offer consultations, laboratory services, immunisations, and treatments for common illnesses such as malaria and diarrhoea. Patients requiring advanced care will be referred to nearby public hospitals at no cost.

The launch event attracted hundreds of residents who registered immediately for free coverage. The mobile clinics began operation on-site, providing health checks and consultations as part of the day’s activities.

The Rural Health Scheme marks a new phase in Lagos’ commitment to inclusive healthcare delivery, targeting communities that have long been isolated from mainstream medical services. It represents another step toward Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of a healthier and more equitable Lagos for all.