A group of Nigerians of Lagos origin who are based in the United States of America, Canada and some parts of the United Kingdom, under the aegis of Eko Club Int’l have flagged off a week-long free medical mission to selected underserved communities in the State.
The medical outreach, according to the Club was meant to bridge the gap in accessing healthcare in the country.
The group, under the aegis of Eko Club International made this disclosure on Saturday, at the flag-off of a week-long free medical mission to Lagos State communities.
According to Alh Saheed Olushi, President of the Club, the medical mission was meant to close the massive gap in 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.
Corroborating Olushi, Hon Mrs Lola Ogbara-Alogba, 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 to 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 referred to public health facilities as facilitated by the Club.
Leaders of the communities showered praises on the group for supporting their health and well-being through the mission.
The next point of call for the group’s state -wide outreach on Sunday, we were reliably informed would be Lagos Island.
The mission would subsequently move to other parts of the State, comprising the five key components that make up Lagos State, namely Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island and Epe Divisions.
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, said he came for blood pressure and malaria check-up because he had been feeling a bit tired lately.
‘They attended to me quickly, and I feel reassured after the tests. They explained the results to me clearly, which was very 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.
