The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila on Monday facilitated free medical outreach at Agboyi Ori Omi, an island in Agboyi-Keyu Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach was organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Health District 2 and Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps.
Some of the services provided include oral health checks and treatment, blood pressure checks, screening for TB, eye screening and free glasses.
Other are free blood sugar check, HIV testing and counseling, treatment of minor ailments and free medication.
Gbajabiamila, who was represented by Mr Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency I, said health remained priority to the people, including those at the grassroots.
He said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was taking health matters very seriously.
Urging the people of the island to take advantage of the gesture holding in three different communities in the state, Gbajabiamila urged the people to pay keen attention to their health
“The tests are done here, we are here for on-the-spot treatment when diagnosis is being done. I think is very laudable and it is in partnership with Lagos State Government.
“We want people to take advantage of this opportunity” Gbajabiamila said.
He said that the government would not relent in its commitment to continue to improve the standard and quality of healthcare across the country.
Also speaking, Mr Lukmon Lawal, Special Adviser on Budget and Finance to Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass,also involved in the programme, applauded Gbajabiamila for his commitment to improving access to healthcare across the country.
Lawal said that Gbajabiamila, over time, had demonstrated love for the ordinary people and had impacted lives through health care, education and empowerment.
“Bringing healthcare to one of the most forgotten communities in Lagos is commendable. Without improvement in healthcare, household income and education will suffer. So anytime, any day, we are winning with qualitative healthcare.
“Today, in their thousands, the Agboyi communities are enjoying medical outreach.
“Tomorrow, we will be at Primary Health Centre Ketu, and for Wednesday and Thursday, we will be at Ikorodu for two days.
“So, we are sending the message of Renewed Hope to all nooks and crannies of Lagos and, by extension, Nigeria,” Lawal said.
Speaking, Dr Dayo Lajide, Permanent Secretary Lagos State Health District 2, who commended Gbajabiamila’s gesture, said, “This island is a bit hard to reach, and our people really do need these services.”
Lajide said that the impact of the programme was remarkable as beneficiaries were able to access medical services.
“It is a big deal for us because we have over 41,000 people living on this island,” she said.
She said that the state government was working to upgrade the Primary Healthcare Centre on the island.
In her remark, Mrs Adetola Abubakar, Chairman, Agboyi-Keyu LCDA applauded President Bola Tinubu for providing leadership for ordinary Nigerians.
Describing Gbajabiamila’s health intervention as special and apt, Abubakar thanked Gbajabiamila for touching lives.
“Every aspect of our national life is being taken care of. The Chief of Staff, like the President
,has the welfare of the citizens at heart, bringing this very important health care project to us.”
She also appreciated the management of the Lagos State Health District 2 for helping to provide people comprehensive and quality health services, especially at the grassroots.
Abubakar also appreciated the Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps, an International non governmental and non- profit organisation , for working to touch lives through medical services and health education.
“This NGO believes that medical services should transcend national border and exceeds the limitation of race, politics and religion.
“We love the philosophy of yours and Indeed share in your vision of a united international community to bring about equitable access to health care for our global population.
“This unique medical outreach is put together to help solve the health challenges of many Nigerians and ,to God be the glory ,the train is stopping at Agboyi Ketu today,” she said.
