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By Raji Rasak
The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, on Wednesday enrolled 150 residents of Badagry in the free Ilera Eko health insurance scheme.
Speaking shortly before distribution of the scheme identification cards, Ogunlende said the idea was for the residents to benefit from it and get treated free in hospitals in Lagos.
Ogunlende, who is also the Pioneer of Real Acts of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation, said the idea was to relieve them of the present economic hardship in the country.
“Many people can’t afford to go to hospital because there is no money, but with the scheme, you don’t have to pay for the service.
“The scheme provides opportunity for you to go to hospital for checkup and complain if you have any ailments.
“The scheme has been paid for by me, it is just for you to take advantage of it,” he said.
Ogunlende said that the second pillar in the developmental plan of the administration of Gov. Sanwo-Olu, as encapsulated in the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, is Health and Environment.
“This is asserting that health remains on the priority list of every government at all levels, as such, Lagos cannot afford to be an exception,” he said.
He urged the residents of Badagry to take the opportunity provided by the insurance scheme and make use of it.
Mr Ebenezer Toyon, the National Coordinator, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), also spoke at the event.
He said the agency and the Office of Civic Engagement on Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (Ilera Eko) in the 20 Local Government Areas of the State were also collaborating on the scheme.
“It is aimed at promoting Ilera Eko Health plan and also scaling up the grassroots enrolment of Lagos residents on the scheme.
“For someone to provide his people with the insurance scheme, this means Ogunlende knows the importance of health.
“What the Special Adviser did today is very laudable and commendable.
“We have approached different people and captains of industry to come on board and enroll their people.
“In Badagry, we have less privileged people that can’t afford ordinary paracetamol, but today he has yielded to our call and registered 150 people; this is commendable,” he said.
Mr Linus Onyegbuchi, one of the beneficiaries, said it had been difficult for him to go for medical checkup at General Hospital, Badagry, but with the scheme, he would be going from time to time.
He commended Ogunlende for the gesture and promised that he would vote for All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship election.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 220 residents of Badagry received free medical services for different ailments during the programme.
(NAN)
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