Health
Ogun First Lady unveils free surgeries for 300 residents
By Taiwo Bankole
The wife of the Ogun State Governor, Bamidele Abiodun, on Tuesday at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, flagged off free medical surgeries aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare services at the grassroots and uplifting vulnerable residents.
The free health intervention programme, which is expected to cater for more than 300 beneficiaries, is being organised by the Ajose Foundation, founded by the Ogun First Lady, in collaboration with a team of medical doctors based in the United States.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Abiodun said the free medical programme was a further demonstration of the commitment of the state government to the well-being of residents.
She explained that, “Without good health, you really can’t function. Health is wealth. You may see people looking healthy, but the moment they’re diagnosed with a serious illness, their entire lives can change.
“It affects them physically, emotionally, and financially. There are many people who simply cannot afford treatment. At the same time, many of these illnesses are preventable. So, these are the reasons why medical interventions like this are quite useful and helpful.
“The free surgery programme started yesterday, and we’ve had people coming in steadily, and about 26 people have been attended to, and there are others waiting to also be attended. About 300 people registered, and we’re hoping to attend even more people.
“The doctors are working in about nine operating theatres, we’re trying to complete the procedures as quickly as possible.”
Mrs Abiodun, while hailing the thoughtfulness of the US-based medical team for collaborating with her foundation to give back to society, also urged other privileged people to learn to lend a helping hand to others.
She added that, “When God blesses you or puts you in a position where you’re able to help people who cannot help themselves, don’t hesitate to do so. You’ll see the gratitude in the lives of these people.
“Some of the things we’re doing to help them don’t cost us much, nor do they take anything away from us. Many of us have more than we need, while there are people who don’t even have the basics.
“For me, it’s about giving back. I believe we should teach our children from an early age to give back to those who are less privileged, those who we know are in need in the society.”
Dr Bimpe Adenusi, a member of the medical team from the US, said the free medical surgeries would cover breast lumps, fibroids, knee and hip replacements, thyroidectomies, among others.
Dr Adenusi said that 26 people had already undergone successful surgeries, while others on the waiting list would also be attended to.
She said that, for the very first time, the medical team also had an orthopaedic surgeon on board to perform surgeries aimed at correcting various forms of deformities.
She said, “We thank the First Lady and all our supporters. Without their support, and without the cooperation of the government, this mission would not be possible.
“This year is also the first time we have an orthopaedic surgeon as part of the medical mission. The programme continues to expand every year with additional specialists.
“Yesterday, we treated patients with deformities, including children with bow legs. One of the first beneficiaries was a five-year-old child who received corrective surgery free of charge.
“An orthopaedic surgeon in Lagos once told me that procedures like knee replacement can cost close to ₦18 million. Through this initiative, however, these life-changing surgeries are being provided free for eligible beneficiaries.
“This is the first year we’re carrying out major orthopaedic procedures like knee replacement and hip replacement. These are quite expensive procedures, but the First Lady insisted that deserving patients should receive the care they need. We’re grateful for the support, and we’re happy that we’re able to help more people.”
As part of the programme, Mrs Abiodun also commissioned a colposcope at the teaching hospital to strengthen the early detection and diagnosis of cervical cancer.
Explaining the significance of the equipment, Adenusi said the colposcope would enhance cervical cancer screening by enabling doctors to closely examine the cervix and obtain tissue samples for laboratory analysis where abnormalities are detected.
She stressed that early detection remained the most effective way to prevent deaths from cervical cancer.
“The message of the governor’s wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun is prevention, prevention, prevention. Prevention is far less expensive than treating advanced disease.
“Last year, we introduced gastrointestinal screening for colon cancer. This year, our focus is on cervical cancer screening to ensure women have access to early diagnosis and treatment,” she added.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
