By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Government has expanded its ongoing healthcare outreach programme to officers of the Nigeria Police Force, with an initial target of 1,000 policemen as part of efforts to boost their wellbeing.

Recall that the initiative, which previously provided same healthcare services to 10,000 professional commercial drivers across the state during a four-day programme, from Monday to Thursday, was extended to police personnel at the weekend.

Speaking during the exercise on Friday, held at the State Police Command, Ikeja, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation and Logistics, and facilitator of the initiative, Hassan Adekoya, said the extension reflects the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to the wellbeing of security personnel.

Adekoya stressed that Governor Sanwo-Olu had broadened the scope to include members of the police force after a successful completion of a comprehensive package for 10,000 professional drivers in Lagos State.

According to Adekoya, “the outreach aimed to complement ongoing wellbeing efforts by the police leadership, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

“We recognise that without the police, society cannot be safe. They are the backbone of our security architecture. This programme is our modest contribution to support their health and wellbeing.”

The initiative provided services like: free eye screening, prescription and distribution of eye-glasses, as well as general medical checks.

Participants tropped out in their large number to partake in the free healthcare intervention.

Four eye-testing designated points were set up at the venue to ensure a smooth screening process. Officers also undergo vital checks, including; blood pressure and blood sugar level assessments.

Those diagnosed with visual challenges were provided with prescription glasses at no cost. Beneficiaries were also provided with customised Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards and other support packages.

Some of the officers who benefitted from the programme, expressed appreciation to the state government and the police leadership.

One of the policemen, Inspector Adewale Bello, described the initiative as “timely,” noting that it was his first time of using prescription glasses and never knew he was having eye defect untill proven by the diagnosis.

“Though, I discovered during the test that I had difficulty reading small printed text. The glasses prescribed for me have made things much clearer,.

Ballo, expressed gratitude to the police authorities and the Lagos State Government for the laudable intervention.

Another beneficiary, Superintendent Yabo Obarasha, said she had been experiencing difficulty reading and had planned to seek medical help before the Sanwo-Olu’s health intervention.

“I was informed about the initiative at the Police Headquarters in Ikeja. After the test, I was given glasses free of charge. I can now read clearly, and I am very grateful for this opportunity,” she said.