Hundreds of Ilorin residents benefit from free medical outreach

Hundreds of residents of Ilorin, Kwara State, including children, at the weekend benefited from a free medical outreach that offered health screening, laboratory tests, medical consultations and free drugs.

The outreach, sponsored by philanthropists was aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for underserved members of the community.

Beneficiaries underwent blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, screening and other basic medical examinations, while those diagnosed with health conditions received free medications and counselling.

One of the beneficiaries, Abdulmumin Isiaka from the Tanke Oke-Odo area of Ilorin, described the initiative as timely and impactful, praying for God’s blessings on the sponsors.

“I heard about the programme on the radio and came all the way from Tanke Oke-Odo to Taiwo road. They checked my blood pressure, carried out tests and gave me free drugs. I sincerely appreciate the organisers. This programme has brought relief to many of us.

“Just two weeks ago, I spent about N8,000 to treat malaria. Although, I didn’t have much money on me but I had to take care of my health. So, this outreach is a great support because not everyone can afford medical treatment,” he said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the programme, Kore Biola, the Coordinator of the medical outreach, said the initiative was designed to provide quality healthcare services to less privileged residents who could not afford hospital bills.

“We are providing free medical services, including vital signs checks, blood sugar tests, screening and other basic laboratory investigations.

“We also have experienced consultants from different medical specialties on ground to examine patients, offer professional medical advice and prescribe medications, all at no cost.

“Our sponsors, Femi Sanni, CEO of Flow FM and Stevogal, have been providing the financial support that makes this outreach possible,” she said.

According to her, patients requiring surgical intervention are identified during the outreach and will be referred to government hospitals, where their surgeries will be fully sponsored by the partners.

“We always have a consultant surgeon with us during our outreaches. We identify patients who need surgery, follow up with them and ensure they receive treatment at government hospitals. The surgeries are funded by Stevogal and Femi Sanni.

“We have successfully sponsored several surgeries, including hernia repairs, Dilation and Curettage (D&C), and other surgical procedures.”

Biola added that volunteer doctors, pharmacists, nurses and support personnel also contribute their expertise to ensure the success of the programme.

“As you can see, everyone is accessing the free healthcare services without discrimination. Beyond consultations, we follow up on patients’ health conditions and provide medications where necessary.

“Our target for this edition was to attend to about 400 people. In future editions, we hope to reach even more residents and make greater impact across Kwara State.

“Government is doing its best, but it cannot reach everyone. There are vulnerable people who cannot afford hospital bills, and that is why initiatives like this remain very important.

“We organise the outreach periodically, and public awareness is created through Flow FM, which has helped attract many beneficiaries.”

Also speaking, Obasa Olubanke, the Assistant General Manager of Flow FM, Ilorin, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the choice of Taiwo as the venue did not discourage participation despite the area being predominantly commercial.

“When we chose Taiwo for this programme, we knew it was more of a business district than a residential area. We are delighted that people turned out in large numbers despite that.

“I appreciate Femi Sanni Araba,
the Chief Executive Officer of Flow FM, and Ekundayo Sanni for supporting this initiative.”

She explained that the outreach was the third edition of the programme.

“We started in December last year, held the second edition in February, and this is the third. Altogether, we have attended to over 1,000 people, and we intend to make the programme more frequent.

“Our chairman envisioned Flow FM not only as a radio station that informs and entertains, but also as an organisation committed to giving back to society through impactful healthcare interventions.”

Olubanke noted that “the response has been encouraging. Even people passing by have stopped to benefit from the free medical services.”

She urged residents to embrace preventive healthcare by going for routine medical check-ups instead of waiting until they became seriously ill.

“People should not wait until they develop complications before seeking medical attention. Regular medical check-ups can help detect illnesses early and reduce treatment costs. They should also avoid self-medication because of the dangers associated with it.

“We also provide counselling on fibroid management and distribute free sanitary pads to all women who participate in the programme.”