By Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale
THE on-going Eko Free Health Mission and other health initiatives of the Lagos State government would not have achieved much success but for the regular payment of taxes by Lagosians.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris in a chat, hinted that most free health programmes of the State government are sustained by tax payers, hence more Lagosians should endeavour to pay their tax.

Idris spoke at the Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area disclosed that since the inception of the Eko Free Health Mission, programme in 2006, 50,773 people have benefitted.

Giving insight, Idris explained that 19,500 people have already benefitted from the programme while a total of 3,000 long-lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITNs) had been distributed and more 2,000 to be distributed before the end of the week long programme.

Out of the 19,500 treated within the three days of the week long programme, 500 people have been treated for dental problems, 100 for various surgeries, 867 people screened for HIV and only few tested positive

The initiative was initiated to improve access to healthcare, reduce morbidity and mortality, encourage other governments and non – government organisations to integrate their programmes and capacity building for health workforce, amongst others.

The programme has averaged 40 percent increase in visits to the primary healthcare centers in the respective a LGAs after each mission.

Coordinator of the programme, Dr. Dolapo Fasewe, called on Lagosians to contribute their widow’s mite to ensure equity and accessibility to healthcare in the state.

“If every Lagosians is able to contribute a little of their earnings, more people will have access to healthcare, there will be equity and the state will be able to sustain such programmes.”

Also, speaking the Local Government Chairman of Oshodi/Isolo, Hon. Mary Modupeola Osaghele who said the exercise has given the local government an opportunity to improve on the health of the people and environment attested that the activities of the current administration have virtually improved every aspect of development in the local government and the state at large.