By Abiodun Esan (Ilorin)
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kwara Chapter has performed 1,000 free surgeries and medical healthcare to indigent patients in Esie community, in Irepodun local government of the state.
Speaking at the sidelines of the event, Dr Adedayo Aderibigbe, the Deputy Chairman of Kwara-NMA said the healthcare interventions was a yearly event for the association, where they give back to their communities as part of their corporate social responsibility.
He explained that their members consisting of both physicians and surgeons offered free services to the less privileged people who have no access to healthcare due to financial challenges.
Aderibigbe noted that about 19 surgeries were performed for patients consisting of illnesses such as hernia, glaucoma and biopsy among others.
“All surgical cases that cannot be handled at the health centre, will be referred to the nearest hospitals and general hospitals where they can get affordable healthcare.
“Some of the patients may be referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH),” he said.
He added that though the association has series of challenges including funding, mobilisation of people.
“There are some erroneous beliefs among the people that since what we are doing is free, we can also solve their financial problems.
“We don’t give cash, we are here to give free medical services to the less privileged, ” he said.
The Kwara NMA deputy chairman also commended Hon. Shola Odetundun, a House of Assembly aspirant for Irepodun, for his support for the association.
In his remark, Dr Olufemi Abdulrahaman, the Officer in Charge of the Comprehensive Health Centre, affiliated to the UITH said the outreach has ensured a large influx of people from the community and the environs with various health challenges.
Abdulrahaman observed that the NMA members have performed various surgical services, including biopsy, glaucoma and hernia.
He added that people have also been treated for hypertension, diabetes, and malaria among others.
Hon. Shola Odetundun, a philanthropist and aspirant of the Kwara House of Assembly said the outreach has ensured that the less privileged get free health care in the community.
He commended the NMA for their selfless service to the humanity.
Mr Emmanuel Sunday, a patient who underwent a surgery due to shrapnel wounds commended the efforts of the association.
He said that he did not have the financial means to undergo the surgery until the intervention of the doctors.
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