By Chiamaka Egwu
In a renewed push to promote preventive healthcare and improve access to early diagnosis, the Lagos State Government has organised a comprehensive free medical screening programme for public servants as part of activities marking the 2026 Public Service Week.
The initiative, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, provided workers with access to a wide range of health services, including medical consultations, diagnostic tests, wellness education, specialist referrals and free medications.
The programme reflects growing recognition of the importance of preventive healthcare in reducing the burden of avoidable illnesses, promoting early intervention and improving the overall health and productivity of the workforce.
The Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, who toured the screening facilities alongside members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, urged public servants to prioritise regular medical examinations rather than waiting until symptoms become severe.
Agoro said routine health checks could help identify underlying medical conditions early enough for appropriate intervention.
“Today’s exercise provides an opportunity for everyone to come out and have their vital signs checked to ensure that they are in good health,” he said.
He encouraged workers to take full advantage of the medical services made available by the state government, emphasising that maintaining a healthy workforce was critical to effective service delivery.
“Health is wealth,” Agoro said, calling on public servants to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular medical checks, physical activity and responsible health management.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said the two-day exercise, which ends on Wednesday, November 11, demonstrated the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and strengthening staff welfare.
She explained that the programme went beyond routine screening, providing opportunities for public servants to receive medical consultations and access diagnostic services.
Lajide also highlighted the availability of free medical and diagnostic services at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, adding that workers enrolled in the ILERA EKO health insurance scheme could access healthcare facilities across the state.
The screening programme featured several important diagnostic and preventive health services.
These included blood pressure monitoring, hepatitis testing, malaria screening, blood glucose checks and prostate-specific antigen testing, commonly known as PSA screening.
Workers also benefited from dental services, physiotherapy, reproductive health education, mental health awareness sessions, blood donation opportunities and free medications.
Participants whose screening results indicated the need for additional medical attention were referred to appropriate healthcare facilities for further evaluation and care.
Mammogram and PSA screenings were also scheduled for Wednesday at the Staff Clinic, extending access to specialised diagnostic services.
The inclusion of cancer-related screening services is particularly significant because early detection can improve opportunities for timely medical intervention and appropriate treatment.
Similarly, routine blood pressure and glucose checks provide opportunities to identify potential cardiovascular and metabolic health risks before complications develop.
The mental health awareness and reproductive health education components also broadened the programme beyond physical examinations, recognising that workers’ overall well-being involves several interconnected aspects of health.
Health experts have consistently emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare, regular screening and early medical consultation in reducing the impact of non-communicable diseases and other preventable health conditions.
For public institutions, workplace health programmes can also contribute to improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and better quality of life among employees.
The Lagos initiative therefore places employee wellness at the centre of the broader conversation about public sector transformation.
The programme is part of activities marking the 2026 Public Service Week, themed “Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Participation and Inclusion.”
By combining medical screening, health education, diagnostic services and referral pathways, the Lagos State Government is seeking to encourage a stronger culture of preventive healthcare among its workforce.
The broader message is that healthcare should not begin only when people become ill. Regular screening, early detection and timely intervention remain essential to protecting lives and building a healthier, more productive society.
