The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has deployed and commissioned an EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) mobile clinic in Erikiti Oglo, Badagry, as part of efforts to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare services in underserved communities across the state.
The initiative is designed to bring essential healthcare services closer to residents in hard-to-reach communities, particularly areas without functional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) or where existing facilities are undergoing reconstruction or renovation.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Erikiti Oglo, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, said the rural health scheme was developed to address healthcare challenges confronting vulnerable residents in underserved communities.
She said the deployment of the mobile clinic demonstrated the commitment of the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to improving the health and wellbeing of residents and ensuring that access to healthcare does not result in financial hardship.
According to Zamba, the mobile clinic will visit Erikiti Oglo every Tuesday from 8 am to 5pm and provide a range of basic healthcare services.
These include general medical consultations through telemedicine, treatment of common illnesses, management of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma, treatment of childhood illnesses, basic laboratory investigations, health education, counselling and drug dispensing.
Residents will also be able to access routine checks, including blood sugar, blood pressure, weight and pulse measurements.
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The LASHMA Permanent Secretary clarified that the mobile clinic is a temporary intervention and will be withdrawn when the community has a functional PHC or other appropriate healthcare facility.
Zamba recalled that during the flag-off of the first phase of the Rural Health Scheme at Agboyi-Ori Omi on November 11, 2025, LASHMA pledged to deploy mobile clinics to five hard-to-reach locations across Lagos.
She disclosed that two of the five locations have now received mobile clinics, while arrangements are underway to extend the intervention to the remaining three communities.
She commended the Baale of Erikiti Oglo, Chief Baale Abila Sedowhe Azonagbo, for supporting the initiative and helping to bring healthcare services closer to residents at the grassroots.
Zamba urged residents of Erikiti Oglo and neighbouring communities to take ownership of the programme by enrolling in EKOSHA, using the mobile clinic and providing constructive feedback to LASHMA to help improve the service.
She also assured residents that patients requiring services beyond the capacity of the mobile clinic would be referred to Ajara PHC or Badagry General Hospital for further treatment.
According to her, LASHMA has also reached an arrangement with local transport operators to convey referred patients to the appropriate health facility, with the Agency covering the transportation costs.
The Permanent Secretary further promised that the frequency of visits by the mobile clinic would be increased when the participating communities achieve 5,000 beneficiaries enrolled in the scheme.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers in the participating communities, the Baale of Erikiti Oglo, Chief Abila Sedowhe, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and LASHMA for bringing healthcare services closer to the people.
He noted that pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and elderly residents previously had to travel considerable distances to access medical care.
“With the mobile clinic, they would be relieved of travelling long distances to seek medical attention,” he said.
The traditional ruler also urged other Baales to encourage residents to enrol in EKOSHA and make use of the mobile clinic rather than resorting to self-medication.
The commissioning featured free health screening for residents, including blood sugar, blood pressure, weight and height checks. Community members also had access to medical consultations 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 the Baale-elect of Zinvie, Chief Abiye Hunsitode, who was represented by Chief Abba.
The intervention is expected to strengthen access to primary healthcare in underserved parts of Badagry while supporting Lagos State’s broader efforts to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
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