Health experts have called on Lagos State authorities to strengthen the healthcare system, particularly at the primary healthcare level. They also urged the government to improve access to healthcare and address critical infrastructure deficits such as electricity and clean water supply in communities.
The appeal was made during a medical outreach held in honour of the Eletu Odibo of Lagos and traditional prime minister to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu. The programme was sponsored by the Eko Elite Club of Indiana, USA, under the leadership of its President, Ogaloluwa Osibajo.
Medical Outreach Highlights
Speaking at the event, the Medical Coordinator, Dr Fashesin Alao, said the initiative was designed to support residents who are unable to afford basic healthcare due to financial hardship. “It is important for the government to put more effort into strengthening the healthcare system and improving primary healthcare services. Nigerians also need to take their health seriously by going for regular medical checkups,” he said.
Alao explained that the outreach provided free health screenings, consultations, and medications as part of efforts to support vulnerable members of the community. He said services offered included blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, dental care, eye examinations, hepatitis screening, malaria and typhoid tests, as well as distribution of free drugs and eyeglasses.
According to him, many of the residents screened were found to be hypertensive, while a significant number had not undergone routine medical checkups. He added that medications provided were based on diagnoses and included antimalarial drugs, antibiotics, antiparasitics, antifungals, pain relievers, ulcer medications, and eye treatments.
Health Findings and Challenges
A member of the coordination team, Dr Idris Omosoya, said findings during the outreach showed that between 75 and 80 per cent of those screened had signs of high blood pressure, while cases of diabetes and elevated blood sugar were also common. He also disclosed that the team recorded paediatric cases, eye conditions, and severe dental problems, including plaque build-up and root canal issues.
Omosoya identified inadequate funding as a major challenge, noting that the programme exceeded its budget. He also called on government to improve access to healthcare and address infrastructure gaps. According to him, some residents are unable to pump water from boreholes due to poor electricity supply, while many households continue to struggle with limited access to essential services.
He added that beneficiaries came not only from the host community but also from neighbouring areas such as Anthony Village, Obalende, and other parts of Lagos, due to the availability of free treatment. He said the outreach was part of efforts to give back to the community where he grew up.
High Turnout and Support
Omosoya noted that residents with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, dental problems, cataracts, poor eyesight, malaria, and typhoid were treated during the programme. He said turnout was high, with over 300 people attended to on the first day and more than 400 on the second day, while many others were still awaiting treatment on the final day.
He added that the outreach involved doctors, nurses, dentists, opticians, and physiotherapists, with additional support from the Ministry of Health and the Lions Club, which donated over 100 eyeglasses. In total, no fewer than 1,000 residents benefited from the three-day free medical outreach, with organisers calling for stronger government investment in healthcare and basic amenities.
