By John Dike, Osogbo
Residents of Ido-Osun and neighbouring communities on Wednesday benefited from a free medical and surgical outreach organised by the Olujodo of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Ishola Jokotola, in collaboration with the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Osun State.
No fewer than 300 residents received medical attention at no cost during the outreach, which attracted beneficiaries from within Ido-Osun and nearby towns.
The programme, held within the Ido-Osun kingdom, featured free medical consultations, health screenings, drug distribution and minor surgical procedures, including hernia repairs and other treatable conditions that often go unattended due to financial constraints.
Speaking at the event, Oba Jokotola said the initiative aimed at reducing the healthcare burden on indigent residents and improving access to quality medical services at the grassroots.
“Healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy. This programme is our modest way of supporting the less privileged and ensuring that no one is denied treatment because of lack of funds,” the monarch said.
He disclosed that over 40 medical doctors and other health professionals participated in the exercise, adding that beneficiaries were drawn not only from Ido-Osun but also from Osogbo, Ede, Ofatedo and other neighbouring communities.
According to the monarch, more than 30 patients were successfully treated for minor surgical cases, while free drugs were provided for residents managing ailments such as hypertension, malaria and diabetes.
The Vice President of the Association of Resident Doctors and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Adediran Lukman Adewale, explained that the outreach formed part of the association’s corporate social responsibility activities.
“This programme is organised to give back to society during our annual general meeting. We carried out over 30 free surgeries in addition to consultations, screenings and medication for hundreds of residents,” he said.
Dr. Adewale cautioned residents against self-medication and patronage of unqualified health practitioners, urging them to seek professional medical advice. He also appealed to governments at all levels to support similar community-based healthcare initiatives.
Commending the initiative, the Chairman of the Alayemooré Advisory Council, Alhaji Gbadegbo Ajao, described the outreach as timely, stressing that preventive healthcare remained vital to reducing disease burden in rural communities.
In the same vein, the Babaloja General of Ido-Osun, Chief Ajala Oladejo Awolola, praised the monarch and the medical team for bringing quality healthcare closer to the people, particularly rural dwellers with limited access to hospitals.
Many beneficiaries expressed appreciation, describing the outreach as life-changing, and called for the sustenance of such programmes to strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery across Osun State.
