A mobile healthcare initiative by the Lagos State Government has provided medical services to 791 residents of Agboyi Ori-Omi between January and September 2026, offering relief to a community that continues to face challenges accessing conventional healthcare facilities.
The intervention, implemented through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) under the EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Rural Health Scheme, seeks to improve access to affordable medical services in underserved communities, particularly those without functional primary healthcare centres.
According to LASHMA, 2,546 residents had enrolled in the scheme in Agboyi Ori-Omi since its introduction, highlighting the demand for accessible healthcare services in the community.
The figures were disclosed by the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, during a town hall meeting organised to assess the programme’s implementation and engage residents on their healthcare needs.
Mobile Clinic Addresses Healthcare Access Challenges
Residents of underserved communities often face barriers to healthcare, including transportation costs, distance from medical facilities and limited access to essential services. These challenges can delay medical consultations and make it difficult for people to obtain timely treatment.
The EKOSHA Rural Health Scheme was introduced to help bridge these gaps by bringing basic healthcare services closer to residents who might otherwise struggle to access medical attention.
Under the initiative, beneficiaries receive medical consultations, screening and treatment for common illnesses, while patients requiring additional care are referred to designated health facilities.
The programme is particularly important for Agboyi Ori-Omi, where the absence of a functional primary healthcare centre has made access to routine medical services a continuing concern.
Residents Receive Treatment for Various Health Conditions
Data provided by LASHMA indicate that the mobile clinic has treated residents for several health conditions, including urinary tract infections, general body pain, elevated blood pressure and diabetes.
Of the beneficiaries recorded, 251 received treatment for urinary tract infections and general body pain, while 144 received care for elevated blood pressure. Another 63 beneficiaries received treatment for diabetes.
The figures underscore the importance of community-based healthcare services in identifying and managing common illnesses, including chronic conditions that require consistent medical attention.
Hypertension and diabetes, in particular, often require regular monitoring, appropriate medication and follow-up consultations to reduce the risk of complications.
Through accessible medical services, the scheme provides residents with an opportunity to seek professional advice and receive treatment without necessarily travelling long distances for an initial consultation.
Malaria Screening Supports Early Diagnosis
The mobile clinic also conducted 410 malaria screenings between January and September 2026, with 66 tests returning positive results.
Dr Zamba urged residents experiencing fever and other suspected malaria symptoms to undergo appropriate testing before taking antimalarial medication.
The advice highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis in ensuring that patients receive appropriate treatment. Fever can result from different illnesses, making professional assessment and testing important before medication is prescribed.
Community-based screening services can help improve early detection, reduce inappropriate self-medication and encourage residents to seek medical attention when symptoms arise.
However, screening must be supported by access to appropriate treatment and follow-up care, particularly for patients who test positive or develop complications.
Referral Support Connects Patients to Further Care
Beyond the services provided through the mobile clinic, the scheme facilitated 276 referrals to Mascara Primary Health Centre in Ketu and Gbagada General Hospital.
According to LASHMA, transportation arrangements were provided for referred beneficiaries at no additional cost, helping to reduce the financial and logistical challenges associated with seeking further medical attention.
Referral services are essential for patients whose conditions require additional investigations, specialised consultations or treatment beyond the capacity of a mobile clinic.
By supporting transportation, the programme seeks to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent beneficiaries from accessing the next stage of care.
Effective referral systems also depend on coordination between healthcare providers and receiving facilities to ensure that patients obtain the necessary treatment and follow-up support.
Community Leaders Call for Sustainability
The Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, Oba Monsuru Abimbola Adekanbi Oladega, commended the Lagos State Government for extending healthcare services to residents and appealed for the initiative to be sustained.
The traditional ruler said feedback from beneficiaries had been satisfactory and encouraged community members to take advantage of the available services whenever they required medical attention.
His remarks reflect the importance of community participation and public confidence in programmes designed to improve access to essential services.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, Adetola Aduni Abubakar, represented by the council secretary, Tajudeen Akinyemi, also commended LASHMA for bringing healthcare closer to underserved residents.
However, the council called on the agency to address complaints and remove barriers that could affect access to quality medical services.
Regular engagement with residents will be important in identifying gaps, improving service delivery and ensuring that the programme responds to the community’s evolving healthcare needs.
Need for a Functional Primary Healthcare Centre Remains
Despite the progress recorded by the mobile clinic, the need for a functional primary healthcare centre in Agboyi Ori-Omi remains a major concern.
While mobile clinics can provide consultations, screening and treatment for common illnesses, permanent health facilities are important for delivering continuous primary care, supporting routine follow-up appointments and providing a stable point of access for residents.
The EKOSHA Rural Health Scheme was launched in Agboyi Ori-Omi on 11 November 2025 as part of efforts to expand healthcare access in underserved areas. The initiative was subsequently extended to Erikiti-Oglo in the Badagry Division on 12 August 2026.
LASHMA has indicated that the mobile clinic services and transportation support for referred patients will continue while the community awaits a functional primary healthcare centre.
Sustaining the intervention will require reliable funding, adequate medical personnel, essential medicines, effective referral arrangements and mechanisms for responding to complaints.
The government will also need to ensure that mobile healthcare services complement, rather than replace, the long-term development of accessible and adequately equipped primary healthcare facilities.
The treatment of 791 residents and the enrolment of 2,546 people demonstrate the reach of the programme in Agboyi Ori-Omi during the first nine months of 2026. However, continued monitoring will be necessary to assess its long-term impact and identify areas requiring improvement.
For residents, the sustainability of the mobile clinic, alongside progress towards establishing a functional primary healthcare centre, could play an important role in improving access to affordable medical services and strengthening community health outcomes.
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