More than 1,000 residents have benefited from a three-day free medical outreach organized in a Lagos community. The outreach, held in honor of Chief Engineer Ajibade Ismail Inasewu, was sponsored by the Co-Elite Club of Indiana, United States, and provided residents with free health screenings, consultations, and medications as part of efforts to support vulnerable members of the community.
Medical Coordinator's Remarks
Speaking during the exercise, the Medical Coordinator, Dr. Fashisin Adam Olayinka Alao, said the initiative was designed to assist people who are unable to afford basic healthcare due to financial hardship. He explained that the outreach covered blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, dental care, eye examinations, hepatitis screening, malaria and typhoid tests, alongside the distribution of free drugs.
According to him, many residents screened during the program were found to be hypertensive, while a significant number had not undergone regular medical checkups. Dr. Alao said medications given to beneficiaries depended on their diagnoses and included antimalarial drugs, antibiotics, antiparasitic and antifungal medications, pain relief drugs, ulcer treatments, and eye medications. He urged residents to prioritize regular health checks and appealed to government authorities to strengthen the healthcare system, especially at the primary healthcare level.
Community Support and Impact
Also speaking, a member of the coordination team, Dr. Idris Omosoya, who is based in Chicago, Illinois, said the outreach was part of efforts to give back to the community where he grew up. He noted that residents suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, dental problems, cataracts, poor eyesight, malaria, typhoid, and other health conditions were treated during the program.
Dr. Omosoya said turnout was impressive, with more than 300 people attended to on the first day and over 400 on the second day, while many others were still waiting for treatment on the final day. He added that the outreach involved doctors, nurses, dentists, opticians, and physiotherapists, with additional support from the Ministry of Health and the Lions Club, which donated over 100 eyeglasses.
On public health concerns observed during the exercise, he said between 75 and 80 percent of those screened showed signs of high blood pressure, while cases of diabetes and elevated blood sugar were also common. He further disclosed that the team encountered pediatric cases, eye complications, and severe dental conditions, including plaque buildup and root canal issues.
Challenges and Call to Government
Dr. Omosoya identified inadequate funding as a major challenge, revealing that the program exceeded its budget and that he personally contributed over N3 million in addition to donations from other doctors. He called on the government to improve access to healthcare and address pressing infrastructure needs such as electricity and clean water supply in the community.
According to him, some residents cannot pump water from their boreholes due to poor power supply, while many households continue to struggle with limited access to essential services. He added that beneficiaries also came from neighboring communities and local government areas, including Anthony Village, Obalende, and other parts of Lagos, because of the free treatment offered.
The organizers expressed appreciation to all sponsors and partners, including healthcare professionals, government agencies, and community stakeholders who contributed to the success of the outreach.
