Sanwo-Olu To Subsidize Pharmaceutical Products To Cushion High Cost Of Drugs
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday announced that his government will embark on health palliatives by subsidizing the cost of pharmaceutical products to improve the well-being of the citizens, especially those in rural communities.
Speaking at the Police College ground, the venue of the 2023 Community Day Celebration, organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, with the theme: ‘Community Engagement: A Veritable Tool for Infrastructure Development on Rural Communities’ the Governor explained that his administration is aware of the growing cost of pharmaceutical drugs in the country and will provide subvention to citizens on medical products as it was done in the transportation sector as we as food distributions.
“We are not going to leave you in various communities, we will continue to provide amenities for all of you in rural areas, we are not going to stay at the Ikoyi and Island axis. We are going to reach out to all the nooks and crannies of the state.
“Today, we are here to appreciate you and thank you for your efforts aimed at developing the grassroots. As you know, we have slashed the transport fare We have provided palliatives of foodstuff. We are going to do more. But the cost of drugs is also rising. As a responsive and responsible government, we will also provide palliatives on medicines,” Sanwo-olu promised.
While reminding those present of his promise to them earlier in the year, the governor said his administration has created a Department of Rural Development. The office, he said, is dedicated to taking complaints from and addressing the needs of the people particularly in the state’s suburbs.
He added that the event is to appreciate the people of Lagos for their various self-help projects which he says complement government efforts.
The Chairman of the Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC) Alhaji Azeez Amusat who thanked the governor for his support and commitment to the welfare of citizens in the state appreciated him for the confidence reposed in the council, particularly the distribution of palliatives to residents across the state.
He however appealed to the governor to remember the council’s requests during the last community day celebration. Listing, the request for a community house, mobility among others needs of the council.
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje, said the theme of the event resonates with states developmental agenda, while also appreciating LCDAs in the state for their support through self-help projects, which he says has complemented government efforts at delivering dividends of democracy to the state.
He also thanked the newly inaugurated Amusat-led CDAC for their selfless efforts toward the coordination of collaborations between citizens and the government.
The event climaxed with the presentation of cash gifts to CDAs and grand prizes of four brand new buses to three outstanding CDAs and the best rural area of the year.
Eighteen seater buses were presented to the first, second and third CDAs which are Greenland Estate CDA in Eti Osa East LCDA, Royal Estate CDA in Egbe Idimu LCDA and Elepe Royal Estate in Ikorodu Council Area, while the best rural community award went to Araromi CDA in Ibeji Lekki LCDA.
Consolation prices of five hundred thousand naira each was also given to the fifth to tenth CDAs respectively.
