Mrs. Sabina Idowu-Oshehobo, the Executive Director, Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) an NGO, says more than 1000 residents of Bashorun Community area in Ibadan benefitted from the organisation’s free healthcare screening and treatment.
Idowu-Oshehobo made this known at the inauguration of the 14th Edition of the Community-based Free Medical Services and Treatment of the NGO on Friday in Ibadan.
She said that the free medical outreach was an initiative of the NGO to bridge the gap in the provision of healthcare services to rural areas.
The executive director expressed concern that poor access to timely and quality healthcare had contributed to poverty level in the society.
She said that rural residents often encountered barriers to healthcare which limit their ability to obtain the care they needed.
She added that “our organisation over the years has demonstrated uncommon commitment to poverty alleviation through implementation of social, health and economic empowerment programmes targeting disadvantaged groups.
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“Poverty and ill-health are closely related, citizens in rural communities often do not have access to quality healthcare system and this increases the level of poverty in the society.
“In order to improve the lives of people in rural areas, providing easy access to healthcare services is critical.
“Rural residents and low income communities have equal rights to easy and accessible healthcare services.”
She called on well-meaning Nigerians and other private organisations to partner with government in providing timely and affordable healthcare services to rural residents.
She noted that “periodic free medical screening and treatment organised by LAPO is aimed at providing collaborative support to the state government’s efforts in providing quality healthcare services to people in the rural areas
“Rural residents often encounter barriers to healthcare that limit their ability to obtain the care they need.
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“Easy access to quality and appropriate healthcare services in rural areas is important for early detection and treatment of illnesses, quality life and preventable death, all which have economic implications.”
Dr. Ayo Obadiora, the Health Manager of LAPO, described the health outreach as part of efforts to discourage patronage of quacks and self medication.
“We are providing screening and treatment for various illnesses including skin infections, worm infestations, hypertension, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ulcer, spondylosis and arthritis.
“Others are meningitis, pneumonia, toothache, eye, ear, nose and throat ailments and many other conditions affecting women, children and older people.
“Patients who require major surgeries will be referred to specialist hospitals in the state, which are already in partnership with LAPO.
“LAPO is here to give hope to the hopeless and we hope to take the initiative across the country.”
The Chief Medical Dircetor in charge of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Ibadan North, Dr Monday Famakinwa, commended the gesture, saying it would make life better for the people.
Famakinwa also applauded the organisation for bringing in qualified practitioners across medical practice to deliver healthcare to the people. (NAN)