Government Flags Off A Month-long Free Health Mission For Over 21,000 Children, Urges Parents To Take Advantage

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has began a month-long free health mission for over 21,000 Lagosians with children as prime target.

The State Government in collaboration with BOSKOH Lagos Healthcare Mission International (HMI), flagged the medical intervention programme aimed at combating organ impairment and life-threatening ailments in children.

The exercise, according to Vanguard, began with a six-day free health screening from August 5, 2019, in seven Primary Health Centres, PHCs, across the state including Badagry, Akerele, Surulere, Ikotun, IgaIduganran, Epe, Onigbongo, and Ita- Elewa PHCs.

At the flag off, the Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the programme tagged “Healthy Bee Project” was purposely designed to keep children fit for their study and activities that would make them attain their potential.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the programme is a component of his development agenda to reposition healthcare and give disadvantaged children access to quality medical care.

He said the programme is a component of his development agenda to reposition healthcare and give disadvantaged children access to quality medical care.

Sanwo-Olu encouraged parents to utilise the opportunity to take their children for screening and treatment for medical conditions that can limit their mental and physical development.

SEE ALSO: Consultant Pediatrician, Dr. Adaugo Onyedinma, Sensitizes Parents On The Dangers Of Meningitis And Failing To Get Their Children Immunised

“If children lack access to good health facilities and quality medical attention, they might lose their ability and functionality. We want to help them fight ailments that can put them at a disadvantage. This is the reason the programme is essential to make sure our children live a good and fulfilling life.”

Mr Fola Adeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information & Strategy, on his part described it as a propmise kept. The Wife of the Governor Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who also spoke at the event, noted:

“As a mother and medical doctor, I understand the momentous mileage we stand to gain from this strategic intervention championed by the State Government in partnership with BOSKOH Lagos Healthcare Mission International, and I must say I fully align myself with this all-important medical mission.”

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Titilayo Goncalves said the programme signalled the implementation phase of Sanwo-Olu’s healthcare initiative adding that the initiative seeks to increase access to quality health care service in line with the State’s Universal Health Coverage drive.

Executive Director of the NGO, Mrs. Nike Osai, praised the Lagos government for approving the medical intervention, stressing that it was an investment the state would not regret.

She said part of the objectives of the partnership was to enable Lagos government meet the Item three of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to realise universal health coverage for children and reduce poverty. She added:

“The Government of Lagos recognises the prime place of children in the survival of humanity. This is the reason the Sanwo-Olu government graciously offered to collaborate with Healthcare Mission International to make our children healthier.

The programme will involve screening children for visual and hearing impairments, and other ailments that can negatively impede their capacity to study.

Those found to have visual or hearing impairments will be provided with glasses and hearing aids to help them overcome the condition.

Even though children are the prime targets of this programme, vulnerable adults will also be given health counselling and screening for tuberculosis and HIV. Those found to be positive will be managed using the established channel of treatment of these illnesses.”