In a joint partnership initiative by the Lagos State Waterways Authority and the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Lagos State Government has further solidified its position as a pacesetter when it comes to innovation in governance.
On Wednesday 22nd June, 2022 the government launched a Floating Clinic Boat FCB for inland waterways medical emergency and riverine communities medical services.
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In a post on his verified Facebook account, the governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu while making the announcement said it was part of efforts by the LASG to increase access to qualitative and efficient health care services on the waterways and riverine communities across the state.
Similarly while speaking at the unveiling of the clinic at the Civic Center Towers Victoria Island, Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Health said
“This is part of initiatives by Ministry of Health to ensure that we extend our medical and ambulance services to the waterways, remote riverine communities and areas that can only be accessed by water. This is also a form of partnership between different agencies of government; the boat actually belongs to Lagos State Waterways Authority LASWA but will be operated by the Ministry of Health”
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Ogboye said the boat will be deployed for the ongoing Integrated Measles and Covid vaccination campaign in riverine communities across the state.
The Permanent Secretary also said residents in riverine communities can access the services of the floating clinic through the Lagos state emergency service numbers.
Damilola Emmanuel, General Manager Lagos State Waterways Authority LASWA, said the initiative will further integrate emergency and rescue systems for commuter safety in riverine communities.
Communities such as Igbara, Agungi, Okun Ajah, Jakande, Oniru, Ikate Elegushi, Ilaje, Lagos, Langbasa, Alasia, Badore, Epe, Bogije, Ibeju Lekki etc among others within the Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, Ajah, Epe corridor are expected to be among the beneficiaries of the Floating Clinic initiative of the Lagos State Government.
The floating clinic is said to be equipped with four medical observation beds, a medium sterilisation unit, oxygen bottle, gauge, infusion stand, foldable stretcher and fully-kitted first aid box.
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The move by the Lagos state government is believed by observers to be a cue from Chevron’s Community Intervention program as part of its Corporate Social Responsibilities CSR many decades ago.
It will be recalled that in 2004, as part of ongoing efforts to take health care services to the door step of its neighbors along the Escravos and Benin River, Chevron Texaco had commissioned a River Boat Clinic.
The Floating Clinic initiative of the LASG will further boost efforts at getting quality health care/medical and ambulance services intervention to remote riverine communities and areas accessible only by water. Considering that these communities constitute a great percentage of the state that prides itself as the state of aquatic splendor, the initiative by the government is highly commendable.
