The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare by taking free medical services directly to traders and residents in major commercial communities across the state.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, stated this during a free medical outreach organised in collaboration with Market Doctors at the Electronic Area Hall, Alaba International Market, Ojo Local Government Area.
Dr. Asiyanbi urged traders and other members of the market community to prioritise their health, stressing that good health is essential to productivity, livelihoods and overall well-being.
He encouraged participants to take advantage of the screening, medical consultations and other services provided during the outreach, while advising them to seek timely medical attention whenever necessary.
The Permanent Secretary also urged traders to enrol in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, Ilera Eko, describing health insurance as an effective way of reducing the financial burden of healthcare.
He explained that the scheme provides access to a range of healthcare services and advised interested residents to obtain the necessary information and enrol through the appropriate channels.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the State Government’s commitment to taking healthcare services closer to communities, particularly areas where large populations live and conduct their businesses.
Dr. Asiyanbi noted that Alaba International Market, being a major commercial hub with a large population of traders and significant economic activities, requires targeted interventions that promote preventive healthcare and early detection of diseases.
He commended Market Doctors for partnering with Lagos State Health District V, noting that sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders was critical to expanding access to quality healthcare and improving health outcomes.
The outreach also featured health education and preventive health messages aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles and regular medical check-ups among participants.
Dr. Asiyanbi urged members of the Alaba market community to make preventive healthcare a priority and promptly seek appropriate medical attention when required.
The initiative is part of the Lagos State Government’s broader efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, promote preventive healthcare and advance Universal Health Coverage under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.