By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
More than 1,500 indigent residents of Arandun Community with various ailments have benefited from a free medical outreach in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day medical outreach, held on Thursday and Friday, was organised by Yusuf Popoola Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.
Some of the medical interventions included dental care and treatment, ear nose and throat (ENT) treatment, general screening, paediatrics, and other basic health checks, with free drugs and referrals.
Speaking to newsmen in Arandun, the Coordinator of the outreach, Dr Raodat Olawuyi, said the initiative was driven by a personal commitment to give back to people in the community.
“There was a time I came home and had discussion about the health challenges of the people. I learnt that most people don’t go to the hospital but only buy over-the–counter drugs.
“I brought the idea of starting a community outreach. So, it’s more like how to bridge the gap in the community so that everybody can get good health.
“It will also afford them to be checked and anybody that needs referral would be referred appropriately,” she said.
Olawuyi, an indigene of Arandun, said she began saving and later appealed to her father and other family members for support, which they granted.
She explained further that this was the second edition of the outreach, adding that the turnout of residents had been impressive.
The coordinator said that the foundation was dedicated to the memory of her late grandfather, Yusuf Popoola, who was also a renowned philanthropist.
Also speaking, Dr Idayat Durotoye, a Consultant Haematologist, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), said that some of the common ailments recorded were hypertension, diabetes and body ache.
She said that high blood pressure was discovered to be a major condition of many of those attended to during the outreach.
“This is a very good initiative, as it has brought afforded healthcare to their doorstep.
“We have seen blood pressure of over 200. Such a person can come down with stroke,” the doctor said.
Durotoye advised people to embrace regular checkup, healthy lifestyle and exercise to prevent illness and diseases.
Dispensing drugs at the medical outreach.
The Coordinator of Igbomina Mobile Clinic, Elder Zubair Olaitan, commended the initiative, saying their medical crew also supported the foundation in the outreach.
He observed that this year’s outreach was more extensive than the previous year and commended Olawuyi for the initiative.
In his reaction, a major sponsor, Alhaji Abdulwasiu Abolarin, said the initiative started when his daughter, Olawuyi, reached out to him for support.
He said that the family was renowned for philanthropic activities, adding that this was the motivation for his daughter, and pledged to continue to support the initiative.
The traditional ruler of Arandun, Oba Ibukunle Adekenye, described the initiative as humanitarian, while also commending the coordinator for having the love for the community.
He urged well-meaning individuals to continue to support the community in the areas of health and education.
A beneficiary of dental service, Miss Kuburat Afolabi, commended organisers of the outreach, saying she had her teeth filled, having endured years of tooth decay.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni