By Dipo Olowookere
Residents of Lagos have been assured access to quality and affordable healthcare services, irrespective of their cultural, social and religious backgrounds.
This assurance was given by the General Manager of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Mrs Emmanuella Zamba, at a recent event held at the Isolo General Hospital, Isolo.
The programme was to sensitise and enrol elderly citizens on the Ilera Eko Health Plan introduced by the Lagos State government. About 108 elderly citizens present that day were registered on the scheme.
At the event, which was held in partnership with 60PLUS Advocacy Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, the GM disclosed that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was passionate about the healthcare of the aged.
Mrs Zamba, who was represented by the Sales Manager of LASHMA, Uchechukwu Igweonyia, further said the Governor was committed to ensuring that the senior citizens live a comfortable life devoid of sickness, fear of payment of huge medical bills and stress.
She praised the NGO for the laudable gesture, saying the partnership would further ensure that the elderly are financially protected whenever they are not feeling well and would save their expenditure on medical treatment and the purchase of drugs.
Mrs Zamba urged other organisations, individuals and others to emulate the 60PLUS Advocacy Initiative and support the government in its efforts to alleviate the plight of senior citizens and the vulnerable in Lagos.
In her remarks, a member of the Governing Council of 60PLUS Advocacy Initiative and retired Permanent Secretary in Lagos State, Mrs Iyabode Obasa, explained that the collaboration with LASHMA was to put smiles on the faces of the elderly and ensure that they are healthy even at their old age.
According to her, the partnership will enable the elderly, who have ailments like diabetes, hypertension and asthma, to access care and those with surgical treatment covered under the health plan to undergo treatment without paying any additional money.
She advised the elderly to eat good food and fruits as well as drink a lot of water daily, especially warm water early in the morning and at night in order to free their systems and live healthily.
