Lagos Commences100 Days Free Healthcare Services, Increases BRT Fares Today

Although there are indications that it’s not the best of time for Lagos residents as they are grappling with some new economic policies of the government, but there is still a reason to rejoice, as the State government flagged off its free 100 Days Medical Mission today, March 1 2017, in all the 20 Local Governments and 57 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs.

Aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage for its citizens, the initiative was borne out of the burden to reduce infant morbidity and maternal mortality in the state.

Disclosing the plan to journalists during the week, State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, said that the free healthcare, under the Lagos State Medical Mission, would commence on March 1 and end on June 8, 2017.

Commuters stranded at a bus-stop, groan under the new BRT regime

In the same vein, the earlier announced increment in the fares of Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) along with the franchised LAG Buses took effect from today, as commuters groaned under the new policy.

Under the new price regime, commuting in the BRT (blue bus), operated by Primero Transport Services, from Ikorodu to Mile 12 will attract N100, up from N75. Similarly, the new fare from Ikorodu to Fadeyi will be N200 from N120, while that of Ikorodu to CMS goes up from N195 to N300.

Justifying the increases, the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engineer Abiodun Dabiri, said that the prevailing economic crunch has shut up the transporters’ cost of operations by 110 per cent and inevitably necessitated the increment.

On the free healthcare services, Idris said the programme over the years had helped to complement health service delivery in the state, aside helping government to take healthcare to the grassroots and undeserved areas of Lagos State, by addressing pressing health issues of the rural communities in the state.

“These Missions provide primary care services that take healthcare to the doorsteps of its citizens at no cost to the people. Although Medical Missions are short-term interventions, it is geared towards the strategic development plan of ensuring Universal Health Coverage.

“These medical missions are significant because it will enable this administration to provide healthcare services to all who come irrespective of their age, gender, socio-economic status and affiliations,” he said.

Though the development looks more of ‘Trade by Bata’ to me, where you collect more from commuters to give them free healthcare services, as in ‘fowo Abu shabu la lejo’ stuff. My opinion though.

What’s you take?