By Oluwaseun Nubi
The iCare Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, on Saturday provided free medical services to more than 500 residents of Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The outreach facilitated by Mr Babajimi Benson, member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, provided beneficiaries with general medical checks, dental care and eye examinations.
The Women Leader, iCare Foundation, Mrs Odumbo Olabisi, said that the programme aimed to promote preventive healthcare and create awareness that “health is wealth”.
Olabisi said that beneficiaries were registered and screened for blood pressure and blood sugar before being referred to the appropriate departments.
“We have three sections today – general medical, dental and optometry.
“Anybody requiring further investigation is referred to the General Hospital for proper treatment,” she said.
Olabisi said that the foundation had organised a similar large-scale outreach in 2023, and another about two months ago, while smaller healthcare interventions were held regularly within the constituency.
She said that the foundation also supported indigent students, orphans, patients requiring medical assistance and vulnerable residents through monthly food distribution programmes.
“For the residents, they should not wait until the next outreach.
“Now that some of them know their health conditions, they should take advantage of government health facilities and continue their treatment,” the women leader said.
Olabisi appealed to government at all levels to expand healthcare services in communities, saying residents were demanding more accessible and affordable medical care.
“We appreciate the efforts of government, but our people still want more healthcare support.
“Everybody is important in the healthcare movement,” she said.
Dr Adewale Ogunleye, a medical doctor at the outreach, urged residents to embrace routine medical screening.
“Many illnesses, especially hypertension and diabetes, are discovered accidentally during outreaches like this.
“Early detection saves lives and reduces the cost of treatment,” Ogunleye said.
Some beneficiaries commended the organisers for bringing healthcare closer to the people.
Mrs Kehinde Adebayo, who received dental care, said that she had been unable to visit a clinic because of financial constraints.
“The doctor examined my teeth and advised me on proper treatment.
“This programme has really helped me,” Adebayo said.
Mr Rasheed Balogun, another dental beneficiary, described the outreach as timely and beneficial to low-income residents.
Mrs Juliana Akinola, who underwent a general medical check, said that the screening revealed that her blood pressure was higher than normal.
“I have been advised to visit the hospital for further tests. I am grateful for the opportunity,” Akinola said.
Mr Suleiman Adeyemi, also screened at the general section, said that the outreach helped him know his blood sugar level for the first time in years.
At the optometry section, Mrs Esther Ojo said that she received an eye examination and counselling on vision care.
“I have been having difficulty reading. The eye test has shown me what I need to do next,” Ojo said.
Mr AbdulGaniyu Bello, another beneficiary of the eye check, praised the foundation for including optometry services in the programme. (NAN)
Edited by Florence Onuegbu