Over 50,000 Osun Indigenes Benefit from Medical Outreach
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
More than 50,000 people of Osun State have benefitted from the Imole Free Surgical and Medical Outreach Programme under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The governor, while flagging off the 4th edition of the outreach at the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo, yesterday noted that restoring healthy living remains a cornerstone of his five-point agenda.
He stressed that despite prevailing economic challenges, his administration has fulfilled its promise of delivering quality healthcare services to the people, reiterating that health is wealth.:
According to him, “We are committed to delivering on this promise. We are pursuing this goal with determination and focus.”
He emphasised the achievements of the programme, saying: “Since the inception of this administration, this programme has provided life-changing care to over 50,000 people. Many of these individuals could not afford treatment and lived with their conditions for years.
He noted: “This initiative has become a lifeline for the masses. It provides fast and accessible medical and surgical care to those in need. Public feedback shows that people eagerly await each new round of this programme.”
The governor further detailed improvements in the health sector over the past two years, including the upgrading of over 200 primary healthcare centres with 24-hour power and water supply.
“Our state was recently rated the best in the South-west for health governance and leadership by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. This success is a result of our commitment and strategic planning.
“We have also improved the conditions of health workers. Competitive remuneration has reduced the trend of workers leaving the state. I thank our health workforce for their dedication and assure you of continued support.”
The governor also announced that the outreach programme will be held in six zones across the state, namely Osogbo, Ilesa, Iwo, Ikirun, Ife, and Ede, encouraging residents to take advantage of the initiative.
He said: “With great honour, I hereby flag off the 4th Imole Free Surgical and Medical Outreach. May this programme continue to bless the good people of Osun State.”
In his remarks, the coordinator of the outreach programme and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Isiaka Adekunle, disclosed that this edition incorporated additional health interventions, including dental services, cervical cancer screening, and breast examinations, alongside the interventions from previous editions.
Dr Adekunle outlined the successes of the programme, which include treatment of ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, malaria, cough, arthritis, and other medical conditions. Surgical operations, including the removal of hernias, hydroceles, and various lumps, have also been carried out.
He further explained that the outreach addressed ophthalmological issues like cataract and pterygium surgeries, distribution of reading glasses, and other eye treatments. Dental procedures such as scaling and polishing, tooth extractions, and general dental examinations were also conducted.
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed happiness and thanked Governor Adeleke for fulfilling his promise of delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
