50,000 orphans in Lagos to get free health care

About 50,000 orphans, elderly and vulnerable persons in Lagos will receive free health care as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu released funds from the equity of the Lagos State Health Scheme to carter for their needs.

The disclosure was made by Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the governor on Thursday at the celebration of the 2020 Universal Healthcare Coverage Day organized by the Lagos State Health Management Agency.

A statement said the decision was taken because the government discovered that not everyone could afford the premium of the state health scheme, The Punch reports.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by a former permanent secretary in the state, Dr. Bola Balogun, said, “It is gratifying to note that Mr. Governor appreciates the fact that not everyone can afford the premium and has approved the release of funds from the equity to provide free health care within the Lagos State Health Scheme for 50,000 orphans, the elderly and the vulnerable.’’

According to her, the Universal Health Coverage Day is celebrated in Lagos in line with the agenda of the state government to ensure access to quality health care services for all residents, irrespective of age or social status.

The state Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, said the governor released N350m for the free health care of vulnerable members of society.