The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has organised a free medical screening, for over 1000 sanitation workers (street sweepers) at the Authority’s headquarters, Ijora Olopa, Lagos on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Managing Director of LAWMA, Kunle Adebiyi, noted that the exercise was a testament to the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, to prioritise the wellness of LAWMA sweepers.
According to the statement released by the Waste Agency, Ag. DG said, “Your well-being is our priority. Whatever happens to your health, will affect us in one way or the other. Therefore, we don’t want any ill- health to befall you.
“Today, your blood pressure, sugar level, urine and eye and hepatitis will be checked for proper diagnosis. The aim of this is to manage the health of our workers and detect early health issues.
“Our sweepers are our heroes, we need to take good care of them. We have over 16,000 of them who keep Lagos clean everyday. Our aim is to ensure we capture all of them in this screening exercise and there will be followups.
“Some will be administered for consultation, some will be for referral, some will be given medications. All of these is to ensure their health is properly managed. We appreciate the Governor for his consistent support”.
The Medical Director of LAWMA, Dr (Mrs.) Modupe Okoh, noted that the medical screening exercise was a demonstration of the state’s commitment to the welfare of LAWMA’s workforce, adding that early detection of diseases would go a long way in helping to manage the health of sweepers who work tirelessly.
One of the beneficiaries, Nafisat Rahman, appreciated the state government for the medical checks. In her words: “We do spend a lot on hospital bills, but with this kind of initiative, it will reduce it and we will be more aware of our health status. I want them to continue with this kind of exercise”, she said.
Another beneficiary, Godwin Imeh, said the medical screening exercise was a nice initiative. He encouraged the Authority to continue to prioritise the welfare of sweepers.
In attendance at the event were members of LAWMA’s management staff. The medical outreach for LAWMA’s sanitation workers is a continuous exercise, with sweepers in other districts in the state set to benefit from the health screening.