Osun flags off free medical outreach, targets eye, dental diseases

The Osun State Government, under Governor Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed its commitment to accessible healthcare delivery, with over 200 primary healthcare centres renovated and upgraded under the administration.

The government said the interventions, alongside free medical programmes and expanded health insurance coverage, were aimed at reducing financial barriers to healthcare and improving the well-being of residents across the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr Adekunle Akindele, disclosed this on Monday while flagging off a three-day free medical outreach organised by Rotary Clubs in collaboration with the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) and the Rasaq Akindele Foundation (RAF).

The outreach, scheduled to run from October 12 to 14, 2026, is holding at Platinum Embassy Specialist Hospital, opposite the New Ede City Stadium, Owode-Ede Road.

Akindele, who represented Governor Adeleke at the event, said the initiative was designed to improve access to essential healthcare services, particularly for residents who might otherwise struggle to afford medical treatment.

He commended the participating Rotary Clubs, including Rotary Club of Agbale Ede, Rotary Club of Osogbo Central, Rotary Club of Osogbo GRA, Rotary Club of Oroki Osogbo, Rotary Club of Osogbo Metropolitan and Rotary Club of Osogbo Sunrise, for pooling their resources and expertise to support vulnerable members of society.

The governor’s aide also praised OSHIA and RAF for partnering with the Rotary Clubs, describing the collaboration as an example of how government agencies, philanthropic organisations and humanitarian groups could work together to address healthcare challenges.

He particularly acknowledged the contributions of OSHIA, under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Dr Rasaq Akindele, to expanding access to affordable and inclusive healthcare in the state.

According to him, the outreach will provide ophthalmological services, including free cataract and pterygium surgeries, as well as corrective glasses for beneficiaries requiring eye care.

He added that dental services would also be available, including scaling and polishing, tooth extraction, glass ionomer cement (GIC) fillings and composite build-up, to address various oral health needs.

The programme will also feature the distribution of reusable sanitary pads to female inmates in correctional centres across the state and girls in selected secondary schools, an intervention Akindele said would promote menstrual hygiene, dignity and confidence among beneficiaries.

He said the outreach aligned with the Adeleke administration’s commitment to ensuring that residents’ access to essential healthcare was not determined by their financial circumstances or social backgrounds.

Akindele disclosed that the state government’s ongoing investment in primary healthcare infrastructure had included the provision of solar-powered electricity and water facilities to improve service delivery, adding that Osun emerged as the best-performing state in the South-West in the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge in 2024 and 2025.

He further said the government’s Imole Medical Outreach had benefited nearly 80,000 residents, according to government figures, while health insurance coverage had been extended to vulnerable groups, including pensioners and persons living with disabilities.

The governor’s aide also highlighted the administration’s support for healthcare workers through hazard allowances and measures aimed at improving their welfare and strengthening service delivery.

He urged residents to take advantage of the free medical services and called on community leaders, school authorities and other stakeholders to mobilise eligible beneficiaries to participate in the programme.

Akindele also appealed to corporate organisations, foundations and professional associations to emulate the participating Rotary Clubs, OSHIA and RAF by supporting initiatives that improve healthcare access and community welfare.

He expressed the state government’s appreciation to the organisers, sponsors, medical professionals and volunteers, reiterating its readiness to collaborate with organisations committed to improving the health and well-being of Osun residents.