Nearly 400 residents of Somolu, Lagos, received free health screening, treatment and enrolment into the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) insurance scheme during a two-day medical outreach organised by General Hospital, Somolu, in partnership with government agencies and healthcare charities.
The outreach, which first held at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, later moved to General Hospital, Somolu, where residents accessed various medical services at no cost. Doctors screened beneficiaries for hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, malaria and prostate cancer, while mental health screening and counselling were also provided. Patients who needed medication received it free of charge.
Partnership and Services Delivered
The initiative was carried out through a partnership involving the Lagos State Ministry of Health, LASHMA, Global Health Charity and Training Foundation, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, DBA Comprehensive Health Charity and Capacity Health Foundation.
Speaking on behalf of the Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of General Hospital, Somolu, Adesina Ayodele, the Deputy Medical Director, Nathaniel Oja, described the programme as an important intervention because of the wide range of free healthcare services made available to residents. Ayodele, whose remarks were delivered by Oja, appreciated all the organisations that supported and funded the outreach, as well as the doctors, nurses and volunteers who made it successful.
Officials Urge Follow-Up Care
“Health is a basic human right for everyone, but prevention is better than cure,” Ayodele said. He advised beneficiaries not to see the outreach as a replacement for proper medical care, noting that patients diagnosed with conditions requiring further treatment should return to the hospital for follow-up care. He assured residents that the hospital would continue to provide additional treatment within the capacity of the facility.
The lead partner, Adebayo Akintobi of the Global Health Charity and Training Foundation, encouraged beneficiaries to speak openly with doctors about any health concerns and not to leave without fully understanding the outcome of their medical tests or asking questions where necessary. Akintobi also expressed hope that the partnership with General Hospital, Somolu, would continue as part of efforts to improve access to quality healthcare across Lagos.
Early Detection and Impact
Beyond treating people who were already feeling sick, the outreach focused on detecting illnesses early before they become more serious. Medical experts have consistently said that conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes often show little or no symptoms in their early stages, making regular screening an important step in preventing life-threatening complications.
For many of the residents who attended, the programme offered access to quality healthcare without worrying about the cost, something increasingly difficult to find in today's economy. The initiative also helped eligible residents enrol in the LASHMA health insurance scheme, giving them an opportunity to access healthcare beyond the outreach.
