Wale Jagun
The Eko Club International which is an association of Lagosians based in United States of America (USA) and some parts of the United Kingdom (UK), resumed its free medical mission which is targeted at 5000 beneficiaries.
It was disclosed at the flag-off of the week-long exercise at Ayobo in Ipaja area of Lagos at the weekend, that the exercise is aimed at bridging the gap for accessing healthcare in the country.
The free medical mission is expected to go round the Lagos State communities.
Alhaji Saheed Olushi, President of the Club, speaking at the flag – off emphasized that the medical mission is aimed at providing quality healthcare for people in the grassroots and close the massive gap for accessing public health services in the country.
He noted that, while the World Health Organization stipulated a standard ratio of one doctor to 600 patients, in the case of Nigeria, it was one doctor to a whopping ten thousand patients.
Also speaking, Hon Mrs Lola-Ogbara, Chairman of the 2024 Medical Mission stated that the exercise was an annual community outreach of the Club to their home State, Lagos State.
She further disclosed that this year’s mission is targeted at reaching out to about ten thousand Lagosians in underserved communities.
Over 500 residents of Ayobo in the Ipaja area of the State were given access the Club’s free medical services yesterday.
Patients were counseled on how to maintain healthy practices, while hundreds were given free medical consultation and medications.
Some patients with critical conditions were also given free surgical procedures.
One of the beneficiaries, who came for dental care disclosed that it was a really good experience for him.
‘The dentist was friendly and took time to examine my teeth. They also gave me advice on how to take better care of my gums. This outreach has been beneficial to our community as many people around here don’t get regular check-ups, so this is very helpful. I feel grateful that they’re providing these services close to us’.
Another patient, Mr Ayeni Emmanuel – Blood Pressure and Malaria Check-up because he had been feeling a bit tired lately shared his experience.
‘They attended to me quickly, and I feel reassured after the tests. They explained the results to me clearly, which was helpful’.
Concluding, he described the medical mission as a great relief considering the array of free services available without needing to go far or worry about costs.
Leaders of the communities showered praises on the group for supporting their health and well-being through the mission.
After Ayobo, the mission would subsequently move to other parts of the StateLagos Island, Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island and Epe Divisions.
