Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on Thursday launched the seventh free statewide medical and surgical outreach at Primary Health Centre, Igbo-Oro in Offa.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, said that the outreach was part of steps to improve the wellbeing of residents.
He said that investment in the health sector was premised on its pivotal position in the overall wellbeing of any society.
He added that “this is why we continue to invest in the health sector and other social programmes that target the poor to ease the burden of significant members of the working class.
“I feel personally fulfilled, not only in accomplishing some of the most crucial parts of our campaign promises to the good people of Kwara, but also in anticipation of sharing in the joy that comes with helping the poor and vulnerable in a social way.”
He noted that the community outreach plan was to complement national and sub-national programmes and interventions aimed at attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
AbdulRazaq added that the state government was addressing infrastructure decay through rehabilitation of primary and secondary health facilities.
He said the state was preparing the Ilorin General Hospital, the premier hospital in the state, to become the Medical College of the Kwara State University.
He explained that “with at least 3,200 indigent people expected to benefit from various interventions, this community outreach plan is aimed at ensuring UHC.
“It will be known nationwide as a centre of excellence for the provision of services, training and research that are supported with cutting edge technology.
“Another unique feature of today’s event is the showcase of a functional health system across all strata of the health care system in the state.
“This is why the health facilities renovated by our government have been chosen as the base for the outreach programme.”
The governor commended the health team and the coordinating role of the state’s Ministry of Health toward ensuring that the interventions reached the people wherever they reside.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Raji Rasaq, disclosed that no fewer than 2,000 people had general surgeries and over 550 people benefitted from eye surgeries since May 29, 2019.
“This particular exercise is specially designed to impact on the indigent members of our communities who cannot afford the cost of surgical services for conditions like hernia, lipomas, hydrocele/scrotal swelling, breast lump, cataract and even eyeglasses.
“We planned to cover about 3,200 members of the public across the 16 council areas in a way that 200 beneficiaries comprising 15 for general surgeries, 15 cataract cases, reading glasses for 50 or more and medical consultation for 120.”
He added that the exercise, which would be held on a weekly basis at designated locations, shall move from one area to the other untill the whole state was covered.
The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, commended the state government for the choice of Offa for the launch of the intervention.
Oba Esuwoye called on residents of the community with health issues to take advantage of the exercise and give maximum support to the medical team for the success of the free surgical intervention. (NAN)
