NAN-HG-8
Healthcare
By Yinusa Ishola
Offa (Kwara), Jan, 4, 2018 (NAN) Over 60 patients have received free surgeries for eye cataracts and other general ailments during a five-day free medical services which ended on Thursday in Offa, Kwara.
The programme was sponsored by Offa Descendants Union of North America (ODUNA) in collaboration with Community Dentistry On Wheels Inc, U.S.A. Igbonina Mobile Clinic and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).
The association’s President, Dr Adegboyega Abdulkadir said that the beneficiaries received free diagnosis, treatment and drugs for ailments such as hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, eye and teeth ailments and other children-related diseases.
Abdulkadir, a Neonatologist and Fellow of America Academy of Pediatricians, said some beneficiaries with extreme medical cases were referred to UITH for further treatment with the full backing of the association.
He disclosed that two of such beneficiaries were already on admission at the hospital.
Abdulkadir said that aside the surgeries, over 400 eye glasses were distributed to deserving beneficiaries during the weeklong programme.
He said that the programme, tagged: ODUNA Medical Mission, was the third in the series and was geared toward improving the life expectancy of the people of the community.
The ODUNA boss disclosed that over 3,000 people have benefited from the association’s free medical services since its commencement five days ago.
“Through an in-depth analysis of the medical background of the community, we discovered that something urgent needed to be done to improve the general health condition of our people.
“There is an urgent need to save them from dying from simple and preventable deaths.
“We have received numerous support both locally and internationally, especially in the provision of essential and quality drugs and even volunteers for the programme.
“This has greatly helped the programme to grow and live up to its expectation and the targeted populace,’’ he said.
Abdulkadir expressed the association’s desire to partner with benevolent individuals, humanitarian bodies, various hospitals and clinics toward ensuring the sustenance of the programme.
Mrs Wosilat McCarthy, the Secretary, Offa Descendants Union (ODU), praised the association for living up to expectation and urged it to sustain the tempo.
She urged other wealthy individuals and groups to emulate the association’s gesture by contributing their quota to the growth, progress and development of the community.
Mr Taiye Olaniyan, the Chairman, Nigeria Red Cross Society, Abuja chapter, described the initiative as a formidable service to humanity which must be supported and nurtured in safe-guiding the health of the people.
“The large attendance of beneficiaries during the programme is a testimony that a lot needs to be done as regards healthcare delivery, especially at the grassroots,” he said.
Mr Nurudeen Balogun, a member of Igbomina Mobile Clinic Initiative, said the clinic’s involvement was informed by the desire to promote access to quality and affordable healthcare to people of the community.
Mrs Abiodun Adeniyi, a beneficiary lauded the organisers for its foresight, saying the initiative impacted positively on her medical status. (NAN)
ISHO/OIF/GY
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Grace Yussuf