AGF organises free medical, surgical outreach for 1500 indigents in Kwara

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Ijagbo (NAN) The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has organised a 2-day medical and surgical outreach for about 1,500 indigents in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara.

Speaking on the sidelines of the outreach, the Minister of Justice stressed the need to bring healthcare services closer to the people at the grassroots.

According to him, this is to ensure that health and health facilities are brought to the doorstep of the citizens.

Fagbemi called for sustained investment in primary healthcare to improve access to quality medical services in rural and underserved communities.

The Minister further stated that the initiative was designed to complement the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda of President Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the large turnout at the exercise demonstrated the need for regular medical interventions in rural communities, noting that such programmes should not be one-off events.

Fagbemi explained that the experience recorded on the first day had shown the need to extend the intervention to other towns and villages within the local government area.

“I feel it is better to appreciate President Tinubu by ensuring that the little that we have, we also show the members of this community that the president has done a lot.

“But it is not too much to offer what we call widows mite. As people say, health is wealth,” he explained.

The Minister disclosed that plans were underway to organise subsequent outreaches across communities before the end of the year.

He also called on other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.

Similarly, Fagbemi pointed out that the issue of migration of Nigerian health professionals abroad, popularly known as “japa”, has both positive and negative implications.

He noted that the demand for Nigerian-trained doctors and other health professionals by foreign countries was an indication of the quality of their training and competence.

The Minister, however, stressed the need for increased investment in the training and certification of health workers.

According to him, some Nigerian professionals who had gained experience abroad were returning to contribute to the development of the country’s health sector.

Also speaking, a member of Health Advisory Committee, Prof. Uthman Mubashir explained that the medical outreach was organised for people across Ijagbo and the surrounding environs.

He disclosed that some of the common ailments that was recorded includes hypertension, diabetes, ulcer and musculoskeletal pains.

Mubashir who is an expert in Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), noted that the outreach also includes screening for hepatitis and HIV.

“The screening is to ensure that people know their status. There is also Rapid DiagnozTest for Malaria and also screening for pulmonary tuberculosis,” he said.

The expert added that cases of hernia and hydrocele as well as lumps were also detected for surgical intervention.

The Chairman of the Ijagbo Community Health Committee, Dr Wale Adeoti, expressed appreciation to the Minister for the health intervention.

He urged beneficiaries to adhere strictly to medical advice and prescriptions given by the health professionals.

According to him, beneficiaries passed through health education and promotion, vital-sign checks, medical consultations, laboratory investigations and pharmacy services.

In his appreciative remarks, the Onijagbo of Ijagbo, Oba Sharafadeen Babalola, commended the AGF for the initiative, describing it as an indication of the importance attached to the health and wellbeing of the people.

Babalola urged residents of the community and neighbouring areas to take advantage of the programme and continue to support and pray for the Minister.

Mr Samuel Kolo and Madam Jumoke Adeoti, two beneficiaries who spoke to newsmen, commended the free medical outreach.

They stated that after free consultation, they were administered free medicines as well as foods and drinks. (NAN)