The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, has urged mothers and caregivers to make full use of Primary Health Care (PHC) centres provided by the Lagos State Government to improve health outcomes at the grassroots.
Eko Hot News reports that Dr. Asiyanbi gave the advice during a medical outreach programme organized by Lagos State Health District V for residents of the Ibeshe riverine community in Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
He explained that PHC centres are strategically located across communities to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable groups.
The permanent secretary expressed concern over the low patronage of the Ibeshe Primary Health Care Centre, revealing that the facility records fewer than 20 patient visits weekly despite being fully functional.
Dr. Asiyanbi appealed to residents to take advantage of the services available at the center, stressing that early presentation at PHCs helps prevent minor health conditions from escalating into serious complications.
He also advised mothers and caregivers to promptly administer Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) to children experiencing diarrhoea to prevent dehydration.
Dr. Asiyanbi noted that delayed response to common childhood illnesses remains a major contributor to avoidable health challenges in underserved communities.
During the outreach programme, residents benefited from several free healthcare services provided by medical personnel deployed by the state government.
The services included general medical consultations, eye screening, malnutrition screening, deworming for children, and dental services.
Residents who attended the outreach commended the state government for bringing essential health services closer to the community and called for more frequent interventions.
The medical outreach forms part of ongoing efforts by Lagos State Health District V to promote community-based healthcare and ensure that no resident is left behind in accessing quality health services.
