The Osun Health Insurance Agency on Monday commenced a medical outreach through which over 500 residents will benefit from free medical services, including cataract and pterygium surgeries.
Addressing journalists at the formal commencement of the outreach in Owode-Ede, Osun State, the Executive Secretary of the Osun Health Insurance Agency and Rotary Major Donor, Dr Rasaq Akindele, said OSHIA was partnering with Rotary clubs in the state and a non-governmental organisation, Rasaq Akindele Foundation, to fund the initiative.
Besides free cataract and pterygium surgeries, Akindele said corrective glasses would also be provided, while scaling and polishing, curettage and tooth extraction services would be available during the outreach.
He disclosed that during routine visits by Rotarians to eye and dental clinics and correctional centres in the state, the team encountered elderly and young residents with sight challenges and severe dental problems.
According to him, 150 of those screened would require surgery, adding that the procedures would be performed free of charge.
“To the glory of God, we have successfully screened over 300 persons with eye defects and over 200 persons with dental issues. That is a total of over 500 beneficiaries who walked into our screening centres with pain and are now filled with hope.
“And we want to announce boldly here that every single person among them who requires surgery will be operated upon free of charge. No one will be left behind. Surgeries commence today, Monday, October 12,” Akindele said.
As part of the outreach, he said a medical team would also visit correctional centres in the state to donate reusable sanitary pads to female inmates in line with its commitment to menstrual hygiene and dignity.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians, corporate bodies and the government to support similar initiatives aimed at restoring hope to the less privileged.
In his address, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Special Adviser on Public Health, Dr Adekunle Akindele, said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of residents, particularly those who might otherwise find it difficult to access essential healthcare services.
Adeleke commended the initiators of the project, adding, “This is a thoughtful intervention that promotes menstrual hygiene, dignity, confidence and the well-being of girls and women in our society.”
The Osun Health Insurance Agency has recently undertaken various medical interventions targeting vulnerable residents and pupils drawn mainly from public primary and secondary schools in the state.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that over 42,000 pupils in public primary and secondary schools across Osun State received free eye treatment under the Imole School Eye Health Programme initiated by the state government.
The treatment, which included the distribution of free glasses, medication and surgeries for those with severe sight conditions, was launched simultaneously across six zones under the supervision of the Osun Health Insurance Agency.