The Lagos State Government will pick the medical bills of all maternity and emergency patients at all Lagos State-owned secondary healthcare facilities.
The State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this on Saturday at Lagos House, Marina, while briefing newsmen on the COVID-19 lockdown in the state.
According to the Governor, treating such categories of patients free of charge was part of government’s efforts to cushion the effects of the lockdown to curtail the spread of coronavirus.
Sanwo-Olu said: “As additional ameliorating measure to complement the welfare packages previously announced, the Lagos State Government will, for the duration of the restriction on movement, take full responsibility for the medical bills of all patients at all Lagos State-owned secondary healthcare facilities.
“The patients to benefit are those that fall in the following category of Emergency/Casualty cases, including registration, laboratory tests, surgeries, and drugs.
“The patients that fall in the category of Maternity Cases, include normal delivery and Caesarean Sections (CS).
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“What this means is that, at this time, patients with the above-listed conditions will not need to make any payments to access treatment and care at all our 27 General Hospitals across the state.”
The governor commended Lagosians for being law-abiding and urged them to keep being responsible by obeying all the directives issued by the health experts which includes practicing social distancing, shunning large gatherings, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, self-isolation and contacting a doctor if feeling unwell.
He however issued a warning to those who insist on flouting the safety directives and guidelines, saying they would be caught and punished.
“To those 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.
Meanwhile, the governor disclosed that authorities have already impounded over 400 commercial buses for failing to adhere to the lockdown order.
