By Michael Omotosho |
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has taken its rural healthcare intervention to Erikiti Oglo in Badagry, with the commissioning of an EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) mobile clinic for residents of the community and surrounding areas.
The agency said the intervention is aimed at helping residents in underserved communities access healthcare without having to travel long distances to functional health facilities.
Clinic to Visit Community Every Tuesday
Speaking at the commissioning, LASHMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the mobile clinic was introduced to address healthcare challenges in communities where there is no functional Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), or where existing facilities are being renovated or reconstructed.
According to her, the initiative also reflects the commitment of the Lagos State Government to making healthcare more accessible to vulnerable residents.
The mobile clinic will attend to residents every Tuesday between 8am and 5pm, offering services including medical consultations, treatment of common illnesses, management of hypertension, diabetes and asthma, childhood healthcare, basic laboratory tests, health education, counselling and drug dispensing.
Residents can also check their blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and pulse at the facility.
Zamba explained that the mobile clinic was not intended to replace a permanent health facility.
She said it would be withdrawn once Erikiti Oglo has a functional PHC, noting that the intervention was designed to provide care while communities wait for permanent healthcare infrastructure.
Two Communities Covered So Far
Zamba recalled that LASHMA launched the first phase of its Rural Health Scheme at Agboyi-Ori Omi on November 11, 2025, with plans to deploy mobile clinics to five hard-to-reach communities across Lagos.
She said two of the five locations had now received mobile clinics, while work was ongoing to extend the service to the remaining communities.
“Today, two communities out of the five locations have been provided with mobile clinics and soon, the three others would be provided,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary also thanked the Baale of Erikiti Oglo, Chief Abila Sedowhe Azonagbo, for supporting the initiative and helping to make the intervention possible.
LASHMA to Cover Referral Transport
Zamba urged residents of Erikiti Oglo and nearby communities to enrol in EKOSHA and make use of the mobile clinic.
She said residents would also be able to provide feedback to LASHMA on the services being offered.
For cases that cannot be handled at the mobile clinic, she said patients would be referred to Ajara PHC or Badagry General Hospital.
According to her, arrangements have also been made with transport operators in the community to convey referred patients to the appropriate facility, with LASHMA paying the transport cost.
She added that the agency could increase the number of visits by the mobile clinic if the communities grow their enrolment on the scheme to 5,000 beneficiaries.
Baale Says Intervention Will Ease Burden
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Baale of Erikiti Oglo, Chief Abila Sedowhe, thanked the Lagos State Government and LASHMA for bringing the service closer to the community.
He said residents, particularly pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and elderly people, had often faced difficulties travelling long distances to seek medical attention.
“Pregnant women, nursing mothers and their children, including the elderly, usually travelled long distances to access healthcare services, but now, with the mobile clinic, they would be relieved of travelling long distances to seek medical attention,” he said.
The traditional ruler urged other Baales to encourage residents in their communities to enrol on EKOSHA and use the mobile clinic instead of relying on self-medication.
The commissioning included free health checks for residents, covering blood sugar, blood pressure, weight and height. Community members also had access to doctors through the ILERA EKO Telemedicine Service.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary, Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Ashiyanbi, Baale Agbovipe, Chief Baale Peter Tonda, Baale Tohon, Chief Baale Sotin Adeoye, and Baale-elect of Zinvie, Chief Abiye Hunsitode, who was represented by Chief Abba.
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