Feyisayo Ogunbiyi
In a renewed effort to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, the Federal Government, through the Neuropsychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta, has delivered free medical care to over 300 residents of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area in Ogun State.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the outreach programme which was aimed at the six local government areas of Ogun State has been held in some parts of the state where many residents have benefited from the programme.
The Secretary of the Health Campaigns and Medical outreach, Olubunmi Ojomo, explained that the latest outreach, held at the Mother and Child Hospital, Ashimolowo in Mowe, is part of a larger, multi-phase initiative designed to expand access to quality healthcare in underserved and rural communities across the state.
She said the programme also aligns with the federal government’s strategy to bridge the healthcare gap between urban and grassroots populations while increasing mental health awareness and services.
According to her, the outreach programme has successfully been held in :Kurere Village, Ewekoro Local Government Area ; Abeokuta North, at the Primary School opposite the Olowu’s Palace and at Mowe-Ibafo, at the Mother and Child Hospital, Ashimolowo, in the Obafemi-Owode local government area of the state
She explained that in addition to these community-based interventions, vagrants and mentally ill individuals were picked up from the streets of Abeokuta metropolis and transported to the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro for proper medical care and rehabilitation.
She added “this marks a significant stride in integrating mental health into primary healthcare delivery.”
Ojomo, highlighted the programme’s humanitarian mission, noting that there is no upper limit to the number of beneficiaries.
“We attend to everyone who comes. In cases involving mental health, we also trace patients’ families in an effort to reunite them and provide sustainable support.”
Dr. Lydia Egua, Chairman of the Health Campaign Committee, described the turnout at the Mowe centre as “impressive and commendable,” crediting the success to the strong collaboration between health officials, Community Development Associations (CDAs), and traditional institutions.
“Today is the continuation of our health campaign project,” Dr. Egua said.
“We have a team of medical professionals providing comprehensive services—including registration, BMI checks, blood pressure, blood sugar test, urine test, other blood test, doctor consultations, and medications—completely free of charge.”
She emphasized the holistic nature of the programme, which includes not only physical health screenings and treatments.
“Several mentally ill individuals were rescued from the streets and are now receiving care in a safe, dignified environment,” she added.
An experienced medical practitioner on the field, Dr. Ayodeji Sennuga urged beneficiaries to follow their prescribed treatment plans and emphasized the importance of ongoing care.
He also hinted at upcoming federal policies, including plans to offer free surgeries in government hospitals as part of the government’s long-term health agenda.
“For those facing financial constraints, public hospitals remain the most reliable option, and even greater access is being planned,” he noted.
Head Nurse, the Mother and Child hospital, Ashimilowo, Mowe, Mrs. Modupe Daramola, warned against the dangers of unregulated herbal remedies, stating that such concoctions could result in severe complications such as kidney failure due to lack of dosage control and standardization.
“Please seek care from licensed professionals,” she urged.
One of the beneficiaries, Prince Temitayo Badejo, Chairman of God’s Grace CDA, expressed gratitude on behalf of the community, calling the initiative “highly encouraging.”
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