Free Health Insurance for Residents of Eti-Osa

Health is a clear way to see if public service matters to everyday people. Many might not get the details of a motion in the House. They may not follow every debate about budgets or policies, but they know the difference between taking a sick child to the hospital and delaying treatment. They feel the fear of an unexpected diagnosis and the pain of watching a health issue worsen because they cannot afford timely care.

I believe everyone should have access to healthcare at a price they can afford, no matter their background. I know how stressful it can be to choose between a hospital visit and other needs, especially for vulnerable people. This is why I have pushed for various programs to improve health conditions for everyone, particularly those in need.

In Eti-Osa Constituency 02, we offer free annual medical check-ups, breast and cervical cancer screenings with vaccinations, dental care, and surgery. We also provide eye exams with cataract surgery and eyeglasses for those who need them. These programs have been running consistently every year for the past ten years.

In the Lagos State House of Assembly, I have proposed several initiatives to improve healthcare access for Lagosians. I campaigned for a health insurance scheme and supported it when the Lagos State Ministry of Health adopted it. I also moved for free rotavirus vaccines for young children to protect them against diarrhoea. I am happy that after that motion, the House of Assembly approved it, and thousands of children have benefited. The Lagos Patient Bill of Rights, which I proposed, is currently being considered by the House.

I believe representation must be felt in the daily lives of the people. Our debates and decisions in the House are important, as they help us address key issues. But they must connect with the needs of the people we represent. I always ask: what can I do to directly improve people's lives and reduce their burdens? This question led to the two-year free health-insurance program for residents of Eti-Osa Constituency 02. Reaching our initial target of 5,000 residents is not just about numbers; it means helping people whose health and peace of mind matter to us. We are thankful for the chance to provide that support.

This initiative comes from our long-term commitment to making healthcare accessible. We want to create a reliable way for people to seek care when they need it. This program offers a practical starting point by removing the cost of enrollment for beneficiaries. It also helps them understand a system that many have never used or do not fully know, while addressing both affordability and awareness.

For those enrolled, the two-year coverage started on 10th October. Beneficiaries can access services like general and specialist consultations, medical tests, dental and eye care, minor surgeries, and other covered treatments. Maternity benefits include antenatal care, drugs, scans, and delivery services, along with 28 days of care for newborns, based on the package's terms.

We hope that with this scheme, families will feel more confident seeking care. A mother with a sick child needs more than just words of comfort. A pregnant woman worried about delivery costs needs more than promises. An elderly person who cannot afford treatment needs a clear way to get care. I want parents to focus on treating their children instead of worrying about costs. I want that pregnant woman to approach childbirth with less fear. I want elderly residents in our area to seek medical attention without feeling guilty about asking for help. If our work helps a mother get care, an elderly resident receive treatment with dignity, or a family face tough times with more confidence, then we have truly done our job.

I want to build an Eti-Osa where residents have better chances to live well. I want children to learn and grow. I want young people to gain useful skills and find meaningful jobs. I want traders, artisans, and working families to have a stronger base for their future. Health is a key part of that vision.

Our health programs go hand in hand with education support, skills training, and ICT initiatives. This is part of our commitment to the well-being and opportunities for residents. I want our people to feel cared for, not forgotten. I want families to have more hope and less fear. In the end, the future I want for Eti-Osa is not just about finished projects or announced programs, but about the real difference those efforts make in people's lives.

My message to residents is simple: if you have enrolled, use your health-insurance cover when it starts. Get to know the services available, understand your healthcare provider, and seek care quickly when needed. If you need information about enrollment or how to use the scheme, please reach out to our constituency office. Let’s work together to make good health a priority in every home in Eti-Osa. I remain dedicated to making well-being a central part of our shared future. Ilera l’oro, health is wealth.