Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday said the government would henceforth treat certain categories of patients free of charge in its secondary health facilities to cushion the effects of lockdown of the state to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
This is coming as the government impounded 400 danfo buses for violating the restriction order.
Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed this at a press conference to give update on the ongoing lockdown of the state after meeting with critical stakeholders said the measure was another intervention by the state government to cushion the biting effects of the lockdown on the people, especially the vulnerable members of the society.
He said, “Additional ameliorating measure to complement the welfare packages previously announced, as follows: The Lagos State Government will, for the duration of the restriction on movement, take full responsibility for the medical bills of all patients who fall in the following categories, at all Lagos State-owned secondary healthcare facilities:
“1.Emergency / Casualty cases, including registration, laboratory tests, surgeries, and drugs.: Maternity Cases: Normal delivery and Caesarean Sections. What this means is that, at this time, patients with the above-listed condition will not need to make any payments to access treatment and care at all our 27 General Hospitals across the state.”
The governor commended law-abiding residents of state and urged them to keep being responsible Lagosians by obeying all the directives issued by the health experts.
He said this could be done, “By practicing social distancing, shun large gatherings, cover your mouths when coughing or sneezing, and self-isolate and contact a doctor if feeling unwell.
“To those who insist on flouting our directives and guidelines, who seek to take undue advantage of their fellow Lagosians at this time, and all those whose aim is to undermine the efforts of the various health authorities responsible for keeping us safe, let this strong warning go out: The strong arms of the law will catch up with you sooner than later, and you will be brought to justice swiftly and comprehensively.”
He said the state government will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found to be flouting the directives of the government on lockdown, saying over 400 commercial buses have been impounded for flouting the order.
The governor said another COVID-19 patient was also discharged from its facility today bringing the total number of people discharged to 25.
