Residents of Erin-Osun in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State have benefitted from the Imole Grassroots Medical Outreach organised in collaboration with the Benson Adeyemi Foundation, a non-governmental organisation based in the state.
The outreach, spearheaded by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Adetunji Ajala, was designed to bring healthcare services closer to rural communities.
Speaking at the event, Ajala said the initiative was borne out of the need to ensure that rural dwellers are not left out of government interventions in the health sector.
“We opened up the Imole Grassroots Medical Outreach because we felt that everything should not be concentrated in the towns. It is important to go to the grassroots, enlighten the people, conduct medical check-ups, provide food items and educate them on necessary precautions regarding their daily consumption,” he said.
He noted that Erin-Osun, described as a rural suburb, was chosen as the first beneficiary community, adding that plans were underway to extend the programme to other rural areas across the state under the Imole Osun Rural Community Medical Outreach.
Ajala commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his strides in the health sector, stating that the administration’s efforts were evident across primary healthcare centres in the state.
“People can see what is happening in our Primary Health Centres. Through the Imole health advocacy, many residents have received free medical check-ups and treatment. Some who were supposed to pay huge sums for surgeries had their bills covered by the governor. The impact in the health sector is visible,” he added.
He explained that the first phase of the outreach was limited to 100 beneficiaries in Erin-Osun, although organisers were considering expanding the number to between 100 and 200 participants as the programme progresses in phases.
“As an appointee of the government, it is our responsibility to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach everyone, irrespective of sociopolitical affiliation. This initiative is for all. Nobody is left behind,” Ajala stressed.
The Operations Officer of the Benson Adeyemi Foundation, Amoa Toyiba, said the foundation partnered with the governor’s office to provide free medical services to residents who have limited access to healthcare.
“We are here to check blood pressure and blood sugar levels, especially among the elderly. We register them, check their height and weight, after which nurses examine their vitals. We also brought trained doctors who consult with them free of charge. Medications are equally provided at no cost,” she said.
Toyiba emphasised that the outreach was purely humanitarian. “This is not a political programme. We work for humanity. Some communities do not have clinics, and some residents cannot afford hospital bills. Instead of them struggling to access care, we bring healthcare services to their doorstep,” she explained, adding that about 200 beneficiaries were being targeted.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the organisers and the state government for the initiative.
A resident, Semiu Owoseni, lauded the organisers for the medical services and relief items distributed. He called for unity within the community, urging residents to work together to achieve common goals.
Mrs. Yusuf Sarifat Abidemi, another beneficiary from Erin-Osun, described the programme as a pleasant surprise. She commended the Benson Adeyemi Foundation and the Osun State Government for providing free health talks, medical tests and drugs.
“My advice is that they should continue this programme across Osun State and even beyond,” she said.
Similarly, Lambe Akin, an indigene of the town, said he was impressed by the scale of the programme.
“We were invited for a health programme, but what I met exceeded my expectations. They addressed our complaints and provided the necessary drugs. We are very grateful,” he said.
The outreach featured free consultations, blood pressure and blood sugar tests, health education, and distribution of medications and relief materials to residents. Organisers reaffirmed their commitment to extending the intervention to other underserved communities in the state.
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